Therapeutically active compositions and their methods of use

ABSTRACT

Compounds and compositions comprising compounds that activate pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) are described herein. Also described herein are methods of using the compounds that activate PKM2 in the treatment of cancer.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §120 as acontinuation of U.S. Ser. No. 13/996,286 filed Dec. 21, 2011, which is aU.S. national phase application of PCT/US2011/066595 filed Dec. 21,2011, which claims priority from U.S. Ser. No. 61/425,557, filed Dec.21, 2010, U.S. Ser. No. 61/425,499, filed Dec. 21, 2010, U.S. Ser. No.61/425,513 filed Dec. 21, 2010 and U.S. Ser. No. 61/425,528 filed Dec.21, 2010, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Cancer cells rely primarily on glycolysis to generate cellular energyand biochemical intermediates for biosynthesis of lipids andnucleotides, while the majority of “normal” cells in adult tissuesutilize aerobic respiration. This fundamental difference in cellularmetabolism between cancer cells and normal cells, termed the WarburgEffect, has been exploited for diagnostic purposes, but has not yet beenexploited for therapeutic benefit.

Pyruvate kinase (PK) is a metabolic enzyme that convertsphosphoenolpyruvate to pyruvate during glycolysis. Four PK isoformsexist in mammals: the L and R isoforms are expressed in liver and redblood cells, the M1 isoform is expressed in most adult tissues, and theM2 isoform is a splice variant of M1 expressed during embryonicdevelopment. All tumor cells exclusively express the embryonic M2isoform. A well-known difference between the M1 and M2 isoforms of PK isthat M2 is a low-activity enzyme that relies on allosteric activation bythe upstream glycolytic intermediate, fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP),whereas M1 is a constitutively active enzyme.

All tumor cells exclusively express the embryonic M2 isoform of pyruvatekinase, suggesting PKM2 as a potential target for cancer therapy. PKM2is also expressed in adipose tissue and activated T-cells. Thus, themodulation (e.g., activation) of PKM2 may be effective in the treatmentof, e.g., obesity, diabetes, autoimmune conditions, andproliferation-dependent diseases, e.g., benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH). Current modulators of pyruvate kinase are not selective, makingit difficult to treat disease related to pyruvate kinase function.

Furthermore, phosphotyrosine peptide binding to PKM2 leads to adissociation of FBP from PKM2 and conformational changes of PKM2 from anactive, tetrameric form to an inactive form. Compounds that bind to PKM2and lock the enzyme in the active confirmation will lead to the loss ofallosteric control of PKM2 needed for shunting biochemical intermediatesfrom glycolysis into biosynthesis of nucleotides and lipids. Thus, theactivation of PKM2 can also inhibit the growth and proliferation ofcancer cells, activated immune cells, and fat cells.

There is a continuing need for novel treatments of diseases such ascancer, diabetes, obesity, autoimmune conditions,proliferation-dependent diseases (e.g., BPH), and other diseases relatedto the function of pyruvate kinase (e.g., PKM2).

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Described herein are compounds that modulate pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2)and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for example, compoundsthat activate PKM2. This invention also provides compositions andpharmaceutical kits comprising a compound of this invention and the useof such compositions and kits in methods of treating diseases andconditions that are related to pyruvate kinase function (e.g., PKM2function), including, e.g., cancer, diabetes, obesity, autoimmunedisorders, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a compound offormula (I),

wherein

X and Y are each independently selected from O and N(-L-R¹);

Q is C(O), SO₂, or —(CH₂)_(h)—;

each L is independently selected from a bond, —C(O)—,—(CR^(a)R^(b))_(m)—, —C(O)N(R^(c))— or —C(O)O—;

D and D¹ are each independently selected from a bond, O and N(R^(c)),provided that D and D¹ are not both a bond;

A is aryl or heteroaryl, each of which is substituted with 0-3occurrences of R^(d); and D-Q-D¹-A is not OCH₂-phenyl;

each R¹ is independently selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, haloC₁₋₄alkyl, alkyl-O-alkylene, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl,heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heterocyclyl and heterocyclylalkyl; whereineach alkyl-O-alkylene, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl,heteroaralkyl, heterocyclyl and heterocyclylalkyl is substituted with0-3 occurrences of R^(f) and each alkyl and haloalkyl is substitutedwith 0-3 occurrences of R^(g);

each R^(a) and each R^(b) are independently selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, or R^(a) and R^(b) bound to the same carbon atom are takentogether with the carbon atom to form a cycloalkyl;

each R^(c) is independently selected from hydrogen and C₁₋₄ alkyl;

each R^(d) is independently selected from halo, halo C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄alkyl, nitro, cyano, —OH and —O(C₁₋₄ alkyl), or two R^(d), attached tothe same or adjacent carbon atoms, taken together with the atom(s) towhich they are attached form an optionally substituted heterocyclyl;

each R^(f) is independently selected from halo, halo C₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkyl, nitro, cyano, —OH and —O(C₁₋₄ alkyl), or two R^(f), attached tothe same or adjacent carbon atoms, taken together with the atoms towhich they are attached form an optionally substituted heterocyclyl;

-   -   each R^(g) is independently selected from nitro, cyano, —OH,        —O(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or two R^(g), attached to the same or adjacent        carbon atoms, taken together with the atoms to which they are        attached form an optionally substituted heterocyclyl;

each R² is independently selected from halo, halo C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy and hydroxyl;

h is 1, 2 or 3;

each m is independently 1, 2 or 3; and

each n is independently 0, 1, 2 or 3;

provided that the compound is not2-chloro-N-(1,4-dihydro-2-oxo-2H-3,1-benzoxazin-7-yl)-5-[[(1-methylethyl)amino]sulfonyl]-benzamide;

4-[2-oxo-7-(phenylmethoxy)-2H-1,3-benzoxazin-3(4H)-yl], Benzoic methylester;

2-chloro-5-[[(1-methylethyl)amino]sulfonyl]-N-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-oxo-7-quinazolinyl)-benzamide;or

2-chloro-5-[[(1-methylethyl)amino]sulfonyl]-N-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-3-methyl-2-oxo-7-quinazolinyl)-benzamide.

In certain embodiments of Formula (I), D is a bond.

In some embodiments of Formula (I), D is N(R^(c)). In one aspect ofthese embodiments of Formula (I), R^(c) is hydrogen.

In certain embodiments of Formula (I), D is a bond and D¹ is N(R^(c)).In one aspect of these embodiments of Formula (I), Q is SO₂. In anotheraspect of these embodiments of Formula (I), Q is C(O). In a moreparticular aspect of these embodiments of Formula (I), D¹ is NH and Q isC(O). In another aspect of these embodiments of Formula (I), Q is(CH₂)_(h). In a more particular aspect of these embodiments of Formula(I), Q is CH₂. In another more particular aspect of these embodiments ofFormula (I), D¹ is NH and Q is (CH₂)_(h). In an even more particularaspect of these embodiments of Formula (I), D¹ is NH and Q is CH₂.

In some embodiments of Formula (I), D¹ is oxygen.

In some embodiments of Formula (I), D is a bond and D¹ is oxygen. In oneaspect of these embodiments of Formula (I), Q is C(O).

In some embodiments of Formula (I), D is oxygen. In one aspect of theseembodiments of Formula (I), Q is C(O) and D¹ is N(R^(c)).

In some embodiments of Formula (I), D¹ is N(R^(c)). In one aspect ofthese embodiments of Formula (I), D is NH. In another aspect of theseembodiments of Formula (I), Q is C(O) and D is oxygen.

In certain embodiments of Formula (I), Q is SO₂.

In some embodiments of Formula (I), Q is (CH₂)_(h). In one aspect ofthese embodiments of Formula (I), h is 1.

In some embodiments of Formula (I), Q is C(O).

In certain embodiments of Formula (I), R^(a) is hydrogen.

In certain embodiments of Formula (I), R^(b) is hydrogen.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a compound ofFormula (I), wherein D is a bond, Q is S(O)₂, and D¹ is —NH—, thecompound having the formula (Ia):

wherein X, Y, L, R^(a), R^(b), R^(c), R^(d), R^(f), R^(g), R¹, R², A, nand m are as described above for Formula (I).

The following embodiments and aspects thereof relate to both Formula (I)and Formula (Ia).

In some embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), Y is N-L-R¹.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), Y is N-L-R¹ and L is abond. In one aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), R¹ ishydrogen. In still another aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (I)and (Ia), R¹ is C₁₋₄ alkyl substituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(g). Ina more specific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), R¹is C₁₋₄ alkyl substituted with 0 occurrences of R^(g) (e.g., methyl).

In certain embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), Y is N-L-R¹ and L is—(CR^(a)R^(b))_(m)—. In a specific aspect of these embodiments ofFormulas (I) and (Ia), L is —CR^(a)R^(b)— (e.g., m is 1). In an evenmore specific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), L is—CH₂— (e.g, R^(a) and R^(b) are hydrogen). In another specific aspect ofthese embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), R¹ is aryl substituted with0-3 occurrences of R^(f). In a more specific aspect of these embodimentsof Formulas (I) and (Ia), R¹ is unsubstituted phenyl.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), X is O.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), X is O and Y is N-L-R¹.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), X is O, Y is N-L-R¹ andL is a bond. In one aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (I) and(Ia), R¹ is hydrogen. In still another aspect of these embodiments ofFormulas (I) and (Ia), R¹ is C₁₋₄ alkyl substituted with 0-3 occurrencesof R^(g). In a more specific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (I)and (Ia), R¹ is C₁₋₄ alkyl substituted with 0 occurrences of R^(g)(e.g., methyl).

In certain embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), X is O, Y is N-L-R¹ andL is —(CR^(a)R^(b))_(m)—. In a specific aspect of these embodiments ofFormulas (I) and (Ia), L is —CR^(a)R^(b)— (e.g., m is 1). In an evenmore specific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), L is—CH₂— (e.g, R^(a) and R^(b) are hydrogen). In another specific aspect ofthese embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), R¹ is aryl substituted with0-3 occurrences of R^(f). In a more specific aspect of these embodimentsof Formulas (I) and (Ia), R¹ is unsubstituted phenyl.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), X is N-L-R¹.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), X is N-L-R¹, and L is abond.

In one aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), R¹ ishydrogen. In still another aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (I)and (Ia), R¹ is C₁₋₄ alkyl substituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(g). Ina more specific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), R¹is C₁₋₄ alkyl substituted with 0 occurrences of R^(g) (e.g., methyl).

In some embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), X is N-L-R¹, and L is—(CR^(a)R^(b))_(m)—. In a specific aspect of these embodiments ofFormulas (I) and (Ia), L is —CR^(a)R^(b)— (e.g., m is 1). In an evenmore specific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), L is—CH₂— (e.g, R^(a) and R^(b) are hydrogen). In another specific aspect ofthese embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), R¹ is aryl substituted with0-3 occurrences of R^(f). In a more specific aspect of these embodimentsof Formulas (I) and (Ia), R¹ is unsubstituted phenyl.

In some embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), Y is O.

In some embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), Y is O and X is N-L-R¹.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), X is N-L-R¹, Y is O andL is a bond. In one aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (I) and(Ia), R¹ is hydrogen. In still another aspect of these embodiments ofFormulas (I) and (Ia), R¹ is C₁₋₄ alkyl substituted with 0-3 occurrencesof R^(f). In a more specific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (I)and (Ia), R¹ is C₁₋₄ alkyl substituted with 0 occurrences of R^(f)(e.g., methyl).

In some embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), X is N-L-R¹, Y is O and Lis —(CR^(a)R^(b))_(m)—. In a specific aspect of these embodiments ofFormulas (I) and (Ia), L is —CR^(a)R^(b)— (e.g., m is 1). In an evenmore specific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), L is—CH₂— (e.g, R^(a) and R^(b) are hydrogen). In another specific aspect ofthese embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), R¹ is aryl substituted with0-3 occurrences of R^(f). In a more specific aspect of these embodimentsof Formulas (I) and (Ia), R¹ is unsubstituted phenyl.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), n is 0.

In some embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), n is 1.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), A is aryl (e.g.,monocyclic or bicyclic aryl) substituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(d).In one aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), A is 5-8membered monocyclic aryl substituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(d). In amore specific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), A isphenyl substituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(d). In an even morespecific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), A isphenyl substituted with 0 occurrences of R^(d). In another even morespecific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), A isphenyl substituted with 1 occurrence of R^(d).

In some aspects of embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), when A isphenyl substituted with 1 occurrence of R^(d), that R^(d) is halo (e.g.,A is p-fluorophenyl or m-chlorophenyl). In another aspect of theseembodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), the R^(d) substituent on A isalkyl (e.g., methyl or ethyl). In still another aspect of theseembodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), the R^(d) substituent on A is—OR^(a) (e.g., p-substituted —OR^(a)). In some embodiments of Formulas(I) and (Ia), the R^(d) substituent on A is alkoxy (e.g., methoxy).

In certain embodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), A is phenyl substitutedwith 2 occurrences of R^(d). In one aspect of these embodiments ofFormulas (I) and (Ia), both R^(d) substituents on A are halo (e.g.,3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl). In another aspect of these embodiments ofFormulas (I) and (Ia), both R^(d) substituents on A are alkyl (e.g.,3,5-dimethylphenyl). In still another aspect of these embodiments ofFormulas (I) and (Ia), one R^(d) substituent on A is alkyl and the otheris halo (e.g., 3-methyl-4-fluorophenyl). In yet another aspect of theseembodiments of Formulas (I) and (Ia), two R^(d) substituents on A,attached to the same or adjacent carbon atoms are taken together withthe atoms to which they are attached form an optionally substitutedheterocyclyl.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a compound ofFormula (II),

wherein

X and Y are each independently selected from O and N-L-R¹;

Q is C(O), SO₂, or —(CH₂)_(h)—;

each L is independently selected from a bond, —C(O)—,—(CR^(a)R^(b))_(m)—, —C(O)NR^(c)— or —C(O)O—;

D and D¹ are each independently selected from a bond, O and NR^(c),provided that D and D¹ are not both a bond;

A is aryl or heteroaryl, each of which is substituted with 0-3occurrences of R^(d);

each R¹ is independently selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, haloC₁₋₄alkyl, alkyl-O-alkylene, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl,heteroaralkyl, heterocyclyl and heterocyclylalkyl; wherein eachalkyl-O-alkylene, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl,heterocyclyl and heterocyclylalkyl is substituted with 0-3 occurrencesof R^(f) and each alkyl and haloalkyl is substituted with 0-3occurrences of R^(g);

each R^(a) and each R^(b) are independently selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, or R^(a) and R^(b) bound to the same carbon atom are takentogether with the carbon atom to form a cycloalkyl;

each R^(c) is independently selected from hydrogen and C₁₋₄ alkyl;

each R^(d) is independently selected from halo, halo C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄alkyl, nitro, cyano, —OH and —O(C₁₋₄ alkyl), or two R^(d), attached tothe same or adjacent carbon atoms, taken together with the atoms towhich they are attached form an optionally substituted heterocyclyl;

each R^(f) is independently selected from halo, halo C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄alkyl, nitro, cyano, —OH and —O(C₁₋₄ alkyl), or two R^(f), attached tothe same or adjacent carbon atoms, taken together with the atoms towhich they are attached form an optionally substituted heterocyclyl;

each R^(g) is independently selected from nitro, cyano, —OH, —O(C₁₋₄alkyl) or two R^(g), attached to the same or adjacent carbon atoms,taken together with the atoms to which they are attached form anoptionally substituted heterocyclyl;

each R² is independently selected from halo, halo C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy and hydroxyl;

h is 1, 2 or 3;

each m is independently 1, 2 or 3; and

each n is independently 0, 1, 2 or 3; provided that

-   -   1) D-Q-D¹-A is not i) O-benzyl, ii) NHSO₂-2-thiophenyl, iii)        NHC(O)— optionally substituted phenyl, or iv) NHSO₂-optionally        substituted phenyl; and    -   2) the compound is not:        -   i)            N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1,3-dimethyl-2-oxo-6-Quinazolinesulfonamide;        -   ii)            N-[2-[[[(1S)-2-cyclohexyl-1-methylethyl]amino]methyl]phenyl]-1,4-dihydro-2-oxo-2H-3,1-Benzoxazine-6-sulfonamide;            or        -   iii)            N-[2-[[[(1S)-2-cyclopentyl-1-methylethyl]amino]methyl]phenyl]-1,4-dihydro-2-oxo-2H-3,1-Benzoxazine-6-sulfonamide.

In certain embodiments of Formula (II), D is a bond.

In some embodiments of Formula (II), D is N(R^(c)). In one aspect ofthese embodiments of Formula (II), R^(c) is hydrogen.

In certain embodiments of Formula (II), D is a bond and D¹ is N(R^(c)).In one aspect of this embodiment of Formula (II), Q is SO₂. In anotheraspect of these embodiments of Formula (II), Q is SO₂ and D¹ is NH. Inanother aspect of these embodiments of Formula (II), Q is C(O). In amore particular aspect of these embodiments of Formula (II), D¹ is NHand Q is C(O). In another aspect of these embodiments of Formula (II), Qis (CH₂)_(h). In a more particular aspect of these embodiments ofFormula (II), Q is CH₂. In another more particular aspect of theseembodiments of Formula (II), D¹ is NH and Q is (CH₂)_(h). In an evenmore particular aspect of these embodiments of Formula (II), D¹ is NHand Q is CH₂.

In some embodiments of Formula (II), D¹ is oxygen.

In some embodiments of Formula (II), D is a bond and D¹ is oxygen. Inone aspect of these embodiments of Formula (II), Q is C(O).

In some embodiments of Formula (II), D is N(R^(c)) and D¹ is oxygen. Inone aspect of these embodiments of Formula (II), Q is C(O). In a moreparticular aspect of these embodiments of Formula (II), D is NH and Q isC(O).

In some embodiments of Formula (II), D is oxygen. In one aspect of theseembodiments of Formula (II), Q is C(O) and D¹ is N(R^(c)). In a moreparticular aspect of these embodiments of Formula (II), Q is C(O) and D¹is NH.

In certain embodiments of Formula (II), Q is SO₂. In some embodiments ofFormula (II), Q is (CH₂)_(h). In one aspect of these embodiments ofFormula (II), h is 1.

In some embodiments of Formula (II), Q is C(O).

In certain embodiments of Formula (II), R^(a) is hydrogen.

In certain embodiments of Formula (II), R^(b) is hydrogen.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a compound ofFormula (II), wherein D is a bond, Q is S(O)₂ and D¹ is —NH—, thecompound having the formula (IIa):

wherein X, Y, L, R^(a), R^(b), R^(c), R^(d), R^(f), R^(g), R¹, R², A, nand m are as described for formula (II).

The following embodiments and aspects thereof relate to both formula(II) and formula (IIa).

In certain embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), Y is N-L-R¹.

In some embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), Y is N-L-R¹ and L is abond.

In one aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), R¹ ishydrogen. In another aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (II) and(IIa), R¹ is C₁₋₄ alkyl substituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(g). In amore specific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), R¹is C₁₋₄ alkyl substituted with 0 occurrences of R^(g) (e.g., methyl).

In some embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), Y is N-L-R¹ and L is—(CR^(a)R^(b))_(m)—. In a specific aspect of these embodiments ofFormulas (II) and (IIa), L is —CR^(a)R^(b)— (e.g., m is 1). In a morespecific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), L is—CH₂— (e.g., R^(a) and R^(b) are hydrogen). In another aspect of theseembodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), R¹ is aryl substituted with 0-3occurrences of R^(f). In a more specific aspect of these embodiments ofFormulas (II) and (IIa), R¹ is aryl substituted with 0 occurrences ofR^(f). In an even more specific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas(II) and (IIa), R¹ is unsubstituted phenyl.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), X is O.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), X is O and Y isN-L-R¹.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), X is O, Y is N-L-R¹and L is a bond. In one aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (II) and(IIa), R¹ is hydrogen. In another aspect of these embodiments ofFormulas (II) and (IIa), R¹ is C₁₋₄ alkyl substituted with 0-3occurrences of R^(g). In a more specific aspect of these embodiments ofFormulas (II) and (IIa), R¹ is C₁₋₄ alkyl substituted with 0 occurrencesof R^(g) (e.g., methyl).

In certain embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), X is O and Y isN-L-R¹ and L is a —(CR^(a)R^(b))—. In a specific aspect of theseembodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), L is —CR^(a)R^(b)— (e.g., m is1). In a more specific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (II) and(IIa), L is —CH₂— (e.g., R^(a) and R^(b) are hydrogen). In anotherspecific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), R¹ isC₁₋₄ alkyl substituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(g). In a more specificaspect of these embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), R¹ is C₁₋₄ alkylsubstituted with 0 occurrences of R^(g) (e.g., methyl). In anotherspecific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), R¹ isaryl substituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(f). In a more specificaspect of these embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), R¹ is arylsubstituted with 0 occurrences of R^(f). In an even more specific aspectof these embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), R¹ is unsubstitutedphenyl.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), X is N-L-R¹.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), X is N-L-R¹, and L isa bond. In one aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa),R¹ is hydrogen. In still another aspect of these embodiments of Formulas(II) and (IIa), R¹ is C₁₋₄ alkyl substituted with 0-3 occurrences ofR^(g). In a more specific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (II)and (II), R¹ is C₁₋₄ alkyl substituted with 0 occurrences of R^(g)(e.g., methyl).

In some embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), X is N-L-R¹, and L is—(CR^(a)R^(b))_(m)—. In a specific aspect of these embodiments ofFormulas (II) and (IIa), L is —CR^(a)R^(b)— (e.g., m is 1). In an evenmore specific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), Lis —CH₂— (e.g, R^(a) and R^(b) are hydrogen). In another specific aspectof these embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), R¹ is aryl substitutedwith 0-3 occurrences of R^(f). In a more specific aspect of theseembodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), R¹ is unsubstituted phenyl.

In some embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), Y is O.

In some embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), Y is O and X is N-L-R¹.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), X is N-L-R¹, Y is Oand L is a bond. In one aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (II) and(IIa), R¹ is hydrogen. In still another aspect of these embodiments ofFormulas (II) and (IIa), R¹ is C₁₋₄ alkyl substituted with 0-3occurrences of R^(g). In a more specific aspect of these embodiments ofFormulas (II) and (IIa), R¹ is C₁₋₄ alkyl substituted with 0 occurrencesof R^(g) (e.g., methyl).

In some embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), X is N-L-R¹, Y is O andL is —(CR^(a)R^(b))_(m)—. In a specific aspect of these embodiments ofFormulas (II) and (IIa), L is —CR^(a)R^(b)— (e.g., m is 1). In an evenmore specific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), Lis —CH₂— (e.g, R^(a) and R^(b) are hydrogen). In another specific aspectof these embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), R¹ is aryl substitutedwith 0-3 occurrences of R^(f). In a more specific aspect of theseembodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), R¹ is unsubstituted phenyl.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), n is 0.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), A is aryl (e.g.,monocyclic or bicyclic aryl) substituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(d).In some embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), A is 5-8 memberedmonocyclic aryl (e.g., phenyl) substituted with 0-3 occurrences ofR^(d). In some embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), A is phenylsubstituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(d).

In some embodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), A is phenyl substitutedwith 2 occurrences of R^(d). In certain embodiments of Formulas (II) and(IIa), both R^(d) are halo (e.g., 3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl). In someembodiments of Formulas (II) and (IIa), one R^(d) is alkyl and one R^(d)is halo (e.g., 3-methyl-4-fluorophenyl).

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a compound offormula (III),

-   -   wherein    -   X and Y are each independently selected from O and N—R¹;    -   Q is C(O), SO₂, or —(CH₂)_(h)—;    -   L¹ and L² are each independently selected from a bond, —O—,        C(O)—, —C(O)O—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)NR^(c)—, —NR^(c)C(O)—, —S—, —SO—        and —SO₂—;    -   D and D¹ are each independently selected from a bond, O and        NR^(c), provided that D and D¹ are not both a bond;    -   A is aryl or heteroaryl, each of which is substituted with 0-3        occurrences of R^(f);    -   each R¹ is independently selected from hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl,        wherein each C₁₋₄ alkyl is substituted with 0-3 occurrences of        R^(f);    -   R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently selected from hydrogen,        C₁₋₄ alkyl, haloC₁₋₄ alkyl, alkyl-O-alkylene, cycloalkyl, aryl,        aralkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heterocyclyl and        heterocyclylalkyl; wherein each alkyl-O-alkylene, cycloalkyl,        aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heterocyclyl and        heterocyclylalkyl is substituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(f)        and each alkyl and haloalkyl is substituted with 0-3 occurrences        of R^(g); or    -   one of R^(a) or R^(b) is taken together with R¹ and the atoms to        which they are respectively attached to form an optionally        substituted five-membered heterocylyl;    -   each R^(c) is independently selected from hydrogen and C₁₋₄        alkyl;    -   each R^(d) is independently selected from halo, halo C₁₋₄ alkyl,        C₁₋₄ alkyl, nitro, —NR^(c)R^(c), —NHCH(NR^(c)R^(c))NR^(c)R^(c),        —NHC(═NR^(c)R^(c))NR^(c)R^(c), —C(O)NR^(c)R^(c), cyano, —SR^(c)        and —OR^(c), or two R^(d), attached to the same or adjacent        carbon atoms, taken together with the atoms to which they are        attached form an optionally substituted heterocyclyl;    -   each R^(f) is independently selected from halo, halo C₁₋₄ alkyl,        C₁₋₄ alkyl, nitro, cyano, —OH and —O(C₁₋₄ alkyl), or two R^(f),        attached to the same or adjacent carbon atoms, taken together        with the atoms to which they are attached form an optionally        substituted heterocyclyl;    -   each R^(g) is independently selected from nitro, cyano, —OH,        —O(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or two R^(g), attached to the same or adjacent        carbon atoms, taken together with the atoms to which they are        attached form an optionally substituted heterocyclyl;    -   each R² is independently selected from halo, halo C₁₋₄ alkyl,        C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy and hydroxyl;    -   h is 1, 2 or 3; and    -   n is 0, 1, 2 or 3; provided that    -   1) D-Q-D¹-A is not —SO₃-phenyl or —SO₃-p-methylphenyl;    -   2) when Y is NR^(c), then Q is not C(O);    -   3) when Y is NH, D-Q-D¹- is not SO₂NR^(c) or NR^(c)SO₂; and    -   4) the compound is not:

-   i)    N-(3-fluoro-2-methylphenyl)-3,4-dihydro-4-methyl-3-oxo-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-6-sulfonamide;

-   ii) methyl    4,5-dimethoxy-2-(4-methyl-3-oxo-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazine-6-sulfonamido)-phenethylcarbamate;

-   iii)    1-(difluoromethyl)-N-(3,4-dihydro-4-methyl-3-oxo-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl)-5-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-sulfonamide;

-   iv)    N-(3,4-dihydro-4-methyl-3-oxo-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl)-4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzenesulfonamide;

-   v)    7-chloro-N-(3,4-dihydro-4-methyl-3-oxo-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-sulfonamide;

-   vi)    N-(3,4-dihydro-4-methyl-3-oxo-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl)-1,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-sulfonamide;

-   vii)    N-(3,4-dihydro-4-methyl-3-oxo-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl)-2-fluoro-5-methyl-benzenesulfonamide;    or

-   viii)    5-chloro-N-(3,4-dihydro-4-methyl-3-oxo-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl)-2,4-dimethoxy-benzenesulfonamide.

In certain embodiments of Formula (III), D is a bond.

In some embodiments of Formula (III), D is oxygen.

In some embodiments of Formula (III), D is NR^(c). In one aspect ofthese embodiments of Formula (III), D is NH. In another aspect of theseembodiments of Formula (III), D is N(C₁₋₄ alkyl). In a more specificaspect of these embodiments of Formula (III), D is N(CH₃).

In certain embodiments of Formula (III), D¹ is O.

In certain embodiments of Formula (III), D¹ is NR^(c). In one aspect ofthese embodiments of Formula (III), D^(c) is NH. In a more specificaspect of these embodiments of Formula (III), D¹ is N(C₁₋₄ alkyl). In amore specific aspect of these embodiments of Formula (III), D¹ isN(CH₃).

In certain embodiments of Formula (III), Q is SO₂.

In some embodiments of Formula (III), Q is (CH₂)_(h). In one aspect ofthese embodiments of Formula (III), h is 1 (i.e., Q is CH₂).

In some embodiments of Formula (III), Q is C(O).

In certain embodiments of Formula (III), D is a bond, D¹ is NR^(c) and Qis SO₂. In one aspect of these embodiments of Formula (III), D¹ is NH.In another aspect of these embodiments of Formula (III), D¹ is N(C₁₋₄alkyl). In a more specific aspect of these embodiments of Formula (III),D¹ is N(CH₃).

In certain embodiments of Formula (III), D is a bond, D¹ is NR^(c) and Qis C(O). In one aspect of these embodiments of Formula (III), D¹ is NH.In another aspect of these embodiments of Formula (III), D¹ is (C₁₋₄alkyl). In a more specific aspect of these embodiments of Formula (III),D¹ is N(CH₃).

In certain embodiments of Formula (III), D is a bond, D¹ is NR^(c) and Qis (CH₂)_(h). In one aspect of these embodiments of Formula (III), his 1. In one aspect of these embodiments of Formula (III), D¹ is NH. Inanother aspect of these embodiments of Formula (III), D¹ is N(C₁₋₄alkyl). In a more specific aspect of these embodiments of Formula (III),D¹ is N(CH₃).

In certain embodiments of Formula (III), D is oxygen, Q is C(O) and D isNR^(c). In one aspect of these embodiments of Formula (III), D¹ is NH.

In certain embodiments of Formula (III), D is NR^(c), Q is C(O) and D¹is oxygen. In one aspect of these embodiments of Formula (III), D is NH.In another aspect of these embodiments of Formula (III), D is N(C₁₋₄alkyl). In a more specific aspect of these embodiments of Formula (III),D is N(CH₃).

In certain embodiments of Formula (III), D is a bond, Q is C(O) and D¹is oxygen.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a compoundof formula (III), wherein D is a bond, Q is S(O)₂ and D¹ is —NH—, thecompound having the formula (IIIa):

wherein X, Y, R^(a), R^(b), R^(c), R^(d), R^(f), R^(g), L¹, L², R¹, R²,A and n are as described above.

The following embodiments and aspects thereof relate to both Formula(III) and Formula (IIIa).

In certain embodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), X is O. In oneaspect of these embodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), Y is N—R¹. Ina more specific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (III) and(IIIa), Y is NH. In another aspect of these embodiments of Formulas(III) and (IIIa), Y is N(C₁₋₄ alkyl), wherein the C₁₋₄ alkyl issubstituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(f). In a more specific aspect ofthese embodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), Y is N(C₁₋₄ alkyl),wherein the alkyl is substituted with 0 occurrences of R^(f). In an evenmore specific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa),Y is N(CH₃).

In some embodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), X is N—R¹. In oneaspect of these embodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), R¹ ishydrogen.

In some embodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), Y is N—R¹. In oneaspect of these embodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), R¹ ishydrogen.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), Y is O. In oneaspect of these embodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), X is N—R¹. Ina more specific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (III) and(IIIa), X is NH. In another aspect of these embodiments of Formulas(III) and (IIIa), X is N(C₁₋₄ alkyl), wherein the C₁₋₄ alkyl issubstituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(f). In a more specific aspect ofthese embodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), X is N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)wherein the alkyl is substituted with 0 occurrences of R^(f). In a morespecific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), X isN(CH₃).

In certain embodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), n is 0.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), n is 1.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), R^(a) is hydrogen.

In some embodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), R^(b) is hydrogen.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), L¹ is a bond. Inone aspect of this embodiment of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), R^(a) ishydrogen.

In some embodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), L² is a bond. In oneaspect of this embodiment of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), R^(b) ishydrogen.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), A is aryl (e.g.,monocyclic or bicyclic aryl) substituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(d).In one aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), A is5-8 membered monocyclic aryl (e.g., phenyl) substituted with 0-3occurrences of R^(d). In a more specific aspect of these embodiments ofFormulas (III) and (IIIa), A is phenyl substituted with 0-3 occurrencesof R^(d). In an even more specific aspect of these embodiments ofFormulas (III) and (IIIa), A is phenyl substituted with 0 occurrences ofR^(d).

In certain specific embodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), A isphenyl substituted with 1 occurrence of R^(d). In one aspect of theseembodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), R^(d) is halo (e.g.,p-fluorophenyl or m-chlorophenyl). In some embodiments of Formulas (III)and (IIIa), R^(d) is alkyl (e.g., methyl). In another aspect of theseembodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), R^(d) is —OR^(c) (e.g.,p-substituted —OR^(c)). In a more specific aspect of these embodimentsof Formulas (III) and (IIIa), R^(d) is p-substituted —OR^(c). In anothermore specific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa),R^(d) is —O-alkyl (e.g., —O-methyl).

In certain embodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), A is phenylsubstituted with 2 occurrences of R^(d). In one aspect of theseembodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), both R^(d) are halo (e.g.,3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl). In another aspect of these embodiments ofFormulas (III) and (IIIa), both R^(d) are alkyl (e.g.,3,5-dimethylphenyl). In another aspect of these embodiments of Formulas(III) and (IIIa), one R^(d) is alkyl and one R^(d) is halo (e.g.,3-methyl-4-fluorophenyl). In yet another aspect of these embodiments ofFormulas (III) and (IIIa), two R^(d), attached to the same or adjacentcarbon atoms, taken together with the atoms to which they are attachedform an optionally substituted heterocyclyl. In a more specific aspectof these embodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), each R^(d) is —OR^(c)and the two —OR^(c) taken together with the carbon atoms to which theyare attached form an optionally substituted heterocyclyl. In anothermore specific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa),two —OR^(c) form 3,4-ethylenedioxy. In another even more specific aspectof these embodiments of Formulas (III) and (IIIa), two —OR^(c) form3,4-methylenedioxy.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a compound offormula (IV),

-   -   wherein    -   X and Y are each independently selected from O and N—R¹;    -   Q is C(O), SO₂, or —(CH₂)_(h)—;    -   L¹ and L² are each independently selected from a bond, —O—,        C(O)—, —C(O)O—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)NR^(c)—, —NR^(c)C(O)—, —S—, —SO—        and —SO₂—;    -   D and D¹ are each independently selected from a bond, O and        NR^(c), provided that D and D¹ are not both a bond;    -   A is aryl or heteroaryl, each of which is substituted with 0-3        occurrences of R^(d);    -   each R¹ is independently selected from hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl;        wherein each C₁₋₄ alkyl is substituted with 0-3 occurrences of        R^(f);    -   R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently selected from hydrogen,        C₁₋₄ alkyl, haloC₁₋₄ alkyl, alkyl-O-alkylene, cycloalkyl, aryl,        aralkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heterocyclyl and        heterocycloalkyl; wherein each alkyl-O-alkylene, cycloalkyl,        aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heterocyclyl and        heterocyclylalkyl is substituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(f)        and each alkyl and haloalkyl is substituted with 0-3 occurrences        of R^(g); or    -   one of R^(a) or R^(b) is taken together with a Y—R¹ or X—R¹ and        the atoms to which they are respectively attached to form an        optionally substituted five-membered heterocyclyl;    -   each R^(c) is independently selected from hydrogen and C₁₋₄        alkyl;    -   each R^(d) is independently selected from halo, halo C₁₋₄ alkyl,        C₁₋₄ alkyl, nitro, —NR^(c)R^(c), —NHCH(NR^(c)R^(c))NR^(c)R^(c),        —NHC(═NR^(c)R^(c))NR^(c)R^(c), —C(O)NR^(c)R^(c), cyano, —SR^(c)        and —OR^(c), or two R^(d), attached to the same or adjacent        carbon atoms, taken together with the atoms to which they are        attached form an optionally substituted heterocyclyl;    -   each R^(f) is independently selected from halo, halo C₁₋₄ alkyl,        C₁₋₄ alkyl, nitro, cyano, —OH and —O(C₁₋₄ alkyl), or two R^(f),        attached to the same or adjacent carbon atoms, taken together        with the atoms to which they are attached form an optionally        substituted heterocyclyl;    -   each R^(g) is independently selected from nitro, cyano, —OH,        —O(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or two R^(g), attached to the same or adjacent        carbon atoms, taken together with the atoms to which they are        attached form an optionally substituted heterocyclyl;    -   each R² is independently selected from halo, halo C₁₋₄ alkyl,        C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy and hydroxyl;    -   h is 1, 2 or 3; and    -   n is 0, 1, 2 or 3; provided that:    -   1) D-Q-D¹-A is not O-benzyl;    -   2) when Y is O, X is not N—R¹; and    -   3) the compound of formula (IV) is not:

-   (E)-N-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxo-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-6-yl)-4-(3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-en-1-yl)benzamide;

-   (E)-N-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxo-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-6-yl)-N-methyl-4-(3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-en-1-yl)benzamide;

-   3-[2-(4-bromophenyl)-2-oxoethyl]-3,4-dihydro-6-methyl-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-2-one;    or

-   4-[[(3,4-dihydro-2-oxo-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl)amino]sulfonyl]-5-methyl-2-furancarboxylic    acid ethyl ester.

In certain embodiments of Formula (IV), D is a bond.

In some embodiments of Formula (IV), D is oxygen.

In some embodiments of Formula (IV), D is NR^(c). In one aspect of theseembodiments of Formula (IV), D is NH. In another aspect of theseembodiments of Formula (IV), D is N(C₁₋₄ alkyl). In a more specificaspect of these embodiments of Formula (IV), D is N(CH₃).

In certain embodiments of Formula (IV), D¹ is O.

In certain embodiments of Formula (IV), D¹ is NR^(c). In one aspect ofthese embodiments of Formula (IV), D¹ is NH. In a more specific aspectof these embodiments of Formula (IV), D¹ is N(C₁₋₄ alkyl). In a morespecific aspect of these embodiments of Formula (IV), D¹ is N(CH₃).

In certain embodiments of Formula (IV), Q is SO₂.

In some embodiments of Formula (IV), Q is (CH₂)_(h). In one aspect ofthese embodiments of Formula (IV), h is 1 (i.e., Q is CH₂).

In some embodiments of Formula (IV), Q is C(O).

In certain embodiments of Formula (IV), D is a bond, D¹ is NR^(c) and Qis SO₂. In one aspect of these embodiments of Formula (IV), D¹ is NH. Inanother aspect of these embodiments of Formula (IV), D¹ is N(C₁₋₄alkyl). In a more specific aspect of these embodiments of Formula (IV),D¹ is N(CH₃).

In certain embodiments of Formula (IV), D is a bond, D¹ is NR^(c) and Qis C(O). In one aspect of these embodiments of Formula (IV), D¹ is NH.In another aspect of these embodiments of Formula (IV), D¹ is (C₁₋₄alkyl). In a more specific aspect of these embodiments of Formula (IV),D¹ is N(CH₃).

In certain embodiments of Formula (IV), D is a bond, D¹ is NR^(c) and Qis (CH₂)_(h). In one aspect of these embodiments of Formula (IV), his 1. In one aspect of these embodiments of Formula (IV), D¹ is NH. Inanother aspect of these embodiments of Formula (IV), D¹ is N(C₁₋₄alkyl). In a more specific aspect of these embodiments of Formula (IV),D¹ is N(CH₃).

In certain embodiments of Formula (IV), D is oxygen, Q is C(O) and D¹ isNR^(c). In one aspect of these embodiments of Formula (IV), D¹ is NH.

In certain embodiments of Formula (IV), D is NR^(c), Q is C(O) and D¹ isoxygen. In one aspect of these embodiments of Formula (IV), D is NH. Inanother aspect of these embodiments of Formula (IV), D is N(C₁₋₄ alkyl).In a more specific aspect of these embodiments of Formula (IV), D isN(CH₃).

In certain embodiments of Formula (IV), D is a bond, Q is C(O) and D¹ isoxygen.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a compound offormula (IV), wherein D is a bond, Q is S(O)₂ and D¹ is —NH—, thecompound having the formula (IVa):

wherein X, Y, R^(a), R^(b), R^(e), R^(d), R^(f), R^(g), L¹, L², R¹, R²,A and n are as described above.

The following embodiments and aspects thereof relate to both Formula(IV) and Formula (IVa).

In certain embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), X is O. In one aspectof these embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), Y is N—R¹. In a morespecific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), Y isNH. In another aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), Yis N(C₁₋₄ alkyl), wherein the C₁₋₄ alkyl is substituted with 0-3occurrences of R^(f). In a more specific aspect of these embodiments ofFormulas (IV) and (IVa), Y is N(C₁₋₄ alkyl, wherein the alkyl issubstituted with 0 occurrences of R^(f). In an even more specific aspectof these embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), Y is N(CH₃).

In some embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), X is N—R¹. In one aspectof these embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), R is hydrogen.

In some embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), Y is N—R¹. In one aspectof these embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), R is hydrogen.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), Y is O. In one aspectof these embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), X is N—R¹. In a morespecific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), X isNH. In another aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), Xis N(C₁₋₄ alkyl), wherein the C₁₋₄ alkyl is substituted with 0-3occurrences of R^(f). In a more specific aspect of these embodiments ofFormulas (IV) and (IVa), X is N(C₁₋₄ alkyl) wherein the alkyl issubstituted with 0 occurrences of R^(f). In a more specific aspect ofthese embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), X is N(CH₃).

In certain embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), n is 0.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), n is 1.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), R^(a) is hydrogen.

In some embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), R^(b) is hydrogen.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), L¹ is a bond. In oneaspect of this embodiment of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), R^(a) is hydrogen.

In some embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), L² is a bond. In oneaspect of this embodiment of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), R^(b) is hydrogen.

In certain embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), A is aryl (e.g.,monocyclic or bicyclic aryl) substituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(d).In one aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), A is 5-8membered monocyclic aryl (e.g., phenyl) substituted with 0-3 occurrencesof R^(d). In a more specific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas(IV) and (IVa), A is phenyl substituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(d).In an even more specific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (IV)and (IVa), A is phenyl substituted with 0 occurrences of R^(d).

In certain specific embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), A is phenylsubstituted with 1 occurrence of R^(d). In one aspect of theseembodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), R^(d) is halo (e.g.,p-fluorophenyl or m-chlorophenyl). In some embodiments of Formulas (IV)and (IVa), R^(d) is alkyl (e.g., methyl). In another aspect of theseembodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), R^(d) is —OR^(c) (e.g.,p-substituted —OR^(c)). In a more specific aspect of these embodimentsof Formulas (IV) and (IVa), R^(d) is p-substituted —OR^(c). In anothermore specific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa),R^(d) is —O-alkyl (e.g., —O-methyl).

In certain embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), A is phenylsubstituted with 2 occurrences of R^(d). In one aspect of theseembodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), both R^(d) are halo (e.g.,3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl). In another aspect of these embodiments ofFormulas (IV) and (IVa), both R^(d) are alkyl (e.g.,3,5-dimethylphenyl). In another aspect of these embodiments of Formulas(IV) and (IVa), one R^(d) is alkyl and one R^(d) is halo (e.g.,3-methyl-4-fluorophenyl). In yet another aspect of these embodiments ofFormulas (IV) and (IVa), two R^(d), attached to the same or adjacentcarbon atoms, taken together with the carbon atoms to which they areattached form an optionally substituted heterocyclyl. In a more specificaspect of these embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), each R^(d) is—OR^(c) and the two —OR^(c) taken together with the carbon atoms towhich they are attached form an optionally substituted heterocyclyl. Inanother more specific aspect of these embodiments of Formulas (IV) and(IVa), two —OR^(c) form 3,4-ethylenedioxy. In another even more specificaspect of these embodiments of Formulas (IV) and (IVa), two —OR^(c) form3,4-methylenedioxy.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to apharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound of formulas (I), (II),(III) or (IV). In another aspect, the present invention is directed to apharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound of formulas (Ia), (IIa),(IIIa) or (IVa).

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to acomposition (e.g., a pharmaceutical composition) comprising a compoundof formulas (I), (II), (III) or (IV). In some embodiments, thecomposition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Inanother aspect, the present invention is directed to a composition(e.g., a pharmaceutical composition) comprising a compound of formulas(Ia), (IIa), (IIIa) or (IVa).

In one embodiment, the invention features a method of modulating (e.g.,increasing) the level of PKM2 activity and/or glycolysis (e.g.,modulating the endogenous ability of a cell in the patient to downregulate PKM2) in a patient in need thereof. The method comprises thestep of administering an effective amount of a compound described hereinto the patient in need thereof, thereby modulating (e.g., increasing)the level of PKM2 activity and/or glycolysis in the patient. In someembodiments, a compound of the invention an activator is used tomaintain PKM2 in its active conformation or activate pyruvate kinaseactivity in proliferating cells as a means to divert glucose metabolitesinto catabolic rather than anabolic processes in the patient.

In another embodiment, the invention features a method of inhibitingcell proliferation in a patient in need thereof. The method comprisesthe step of administering an effective amount of a compound describedherein to the patient in need thereof, thereby inhibiting cellproliferation in the patient. E.g., this method can inhibit growth of atransformed cell, e.g., a cancer cell, or generally inhibit growth in aPKM2-dependent cell that undergoes aerobic glycolysis.

In another embodiment, the invention features a method of treating apatient suffering from or susceptible to a disease or disorderassociated with the function of PKM2 in a patient in need thereof. Themethod comprises the step of administering an effective amount of acompound described herein to the patient in need thereof, therebytreating, preventing or ameliorating the disease or disorder in thepatient. In another embodiment the compound of the invention is providedin a pharmaceutical composition.

In another embodiment, the method includes a first step of identifyingor selecting a patient who would benefit from modulation (e.g.,activation) of PKM2 by determining the level of PKM2 activity in apatient or more particularly in an organ or cell of the patient (e.g.,as opposed to merely being in need of treatment of the disorder itself,e.g., cancer). The level of PKM2 would be compared to a control (e.g.,the PKM2 activity of another patient not suffering from the disorder(e.g., cancer) or the PKM2 activity of the same patient taken at anearlier time) to determine if the current level of PKM2 activitywarranted treatment with a compound of this invention. In one aspect, apatient who has a level of PKM2 activity below that of a control wouldbe a candidate for treatment with a compound of this invention.

In another embodiment, the method includes the subsequent step ofmonitoring the level of PKM2 activity in a patient or more particularlyin an organ or cell of the patient during the course of or followingtreatment with a compound of this invention to determine the efficacy ofthe treatment. The level of PKM2 would be compared to a control (e.g.,PKM2 activity of the same patient taken just prior to treatment) todetermine if the PKM2 activity had been altered by the treatment, thusproviding evidence of the efficacy of the treatment. In one aspect, anincrease in PKM2 activity during the course of or following treatment isindicative that the treatment was effective.

In another embodiment, the selected patient is a patient suffering fromor susceptible to a disorder or disease identified herein, e.g., adisorder characterized by unwanted cell growth or proliferation, e.g.,cancer, obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, restenosis, and autoimmunediseases.

In another embodiment, the compound described herein is administered ata dosage and frequency sufficient to increase lactate production oroxidative phosphorylation.

DEFINITIONS

The term “halo” or “halogen” refers to any radical of fluorine,chlorine, bromine or iodine.

The term “alkyl” refers to a monovalent hydrocarbon chain that may be astraight chain or branched chain, containing the indicated number ofcarbon atoms. For example, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl indicates that the group mayhave from 1 to 12 (inclusive) carbon atoms in it. The term “haloalkyl”refers to an alkyl in which one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced byhalo, and includes alkyl moieties in which all hydrogens have beenreplaced by halo (e.g., perfluoroalkyl). The terms “arylalkyl” or“aralkyl” refer to an alkyl moiety in which an alkyl hydrogen atom isreplaced by an aryl group. Aralkyl includes groups in which more thanone hydrogen atom has been replaced by an aryl group. Examples of“arylalkyl” or “aralkyl” include benzyl, 2-phenylethyl, 3-phenylpropyl,9-fluorenyl, benzhydryl, and trityl groups.

The term “alkylene” refers to a divalent alkyl, e.g., —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—,and —CH₂CH₂CH₂—.

The term “alkenyl” refers to a monovalent straight or branchedhydrocarbon chain containing 2-12 carbon atoms and having one or moredouble bonds. Examples of alkenyl groups include, but are not limitedto, allyl, propenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-hexenyl and 3-octenyl groups. One ofthe double bond carbons may optionally be the point of attachment of thealkenyl substituent.

The term “alkynyl” refers to a monovalent straight or branchedhydrocarbon chain containing 2-12 carbon atoms and characterized inhaving one or more triple bonds. Examples of alkynyl groups include, butare not limited to, ethynyl, propargyl, and 3-hexynyl. One of the triplebond carbons may optionally be the point of attachment of the alkynylsubstituent.

The terms “alkylamino” and “dialkylamino” refer to —NH(alkyl) and—NH(alkyl)₂ radicals respectively. The term “aralkylamino” refers to a—NH(aralkyl) radical. The term alkylaminoalkyl refers to a(alkyl)NH-alkyl- radical; the term dialkylaminoalkyl refers to a(alkyl)₂N-alkyl- radical The term “alkoxy” refers to an —O-alkylradical. The term “mercapto” refers to an SH radical. The term“thioalkoxy” refers to an —S-alkyl radical. The term thioaryloxy refersto an —S-aryl radical.

The term “aryl” refers to an aromatic monocyclic, bicyclic, or tricyclichydrocarbon ring system, wherein any ring atom capable of substitutioncan be substituted (e.g., by one or more substituents). Examples of arylmoieties include, but are not limited to, phenyl, naphthyl, andanthracenyl.

The term “cycloalkyl” as employed herein includes saturated cyclic,bicyclic, tricyclic, or polycyclic hydrocarbon groups having 3 to 12carbons. Any ring atom can be substituted (e.g., by one or moresubstituents). The cycloalkyl groups can contain fused rings. Fusedrings are rings that share a common carbon atom. Examples of cycloalkylmoieties include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclohexyl,methylcyclohexyl, adamantyl, and norbornyl.

The term “heteroaryl” refers to a fully aromatic 5-8 memberedmonocyclic, 8-12 membered bicyclic, or 11-14 membered tricyclic ringsystem having 1-3 heteroatoms if monocyclic, 1-6 heteroatoms ifbicyclic, or 1-9 heteroatoms if tricyclic, said heteroatoms selectedfrom O, N, or S (e.g., carbon atoms and 1-3, 1-6, or 1-9 heteroatomsselected independently from N, O, or S if monocyclic, bicyclic, ortricyclic, respectively). Any ring atom can be substituted (e.g., by oneor more substituents).

The term “heterocyclyl” refers to a nonaromatic 3-10 memberedmonocyclic, 8-12 membered bicyclic, or 11-14 membered tricyclic ringsystem having 1-3 heteroatoms if monocyclic, 1-6 heteroatoms ifbicyclic, or 1-9 heteroatoms if tricyclic, said heteroatoms selectedfrom O, N, or S (e.g., carbon atoms and 1-3, 1-6, or 1-9 heteroatoms ofN, O, or S if monocyclic, bicyclic, or tricyclic, respectively). Theheteroatom may optionally be the point of attachment of the heterocyclylsubstituent. Any ring atom can be substituted (e.g., by one or moresubstituents). The heterocyclyl groups can contain fused rings. Fusedrings are rings that share a common carbon atom. Examples ofheterocyclyl include, but are not limited to, tetrahydrofuranyl,tetrahydropyranyl, piperidinyl, morpholino, pyrrolinyl, pyrimidinyl, andpyrrolidinyl.

Bicyclic and tricyclic ring systems containing one or more heteroatomsand both aromatic and non-aromatic rings are considered to beheterocyclyl groups according to the present definition.

The term “heterocyclylalkyl”, as used herein, refers to an alkyl groupsubstituted with a heterocyclyl group.

The term “cycloalkenyl” refers to partially unsaturated, nonaromatic,cyclic, bicyclic, tricyclic, or polycyclic hydrocarbon groups having 5to 12 carbons, preferably 5 to 8 carbons. The unsaturated carbon mayoptionally be the point of attachment of the cycloalkenyl substituent.Any ring atom can be substituted (e.g., by one or more substituents).The cycloalkenyl groups can contain fused rings. Fused rings are ringsthat share a common carbon atom. Examples of cycloalkenyl moietiesinclude, but are not limited to, cyclohexenyl, cyclohexadienyl, ornorbornenyl.

The terms “hetaralkyl” and “heteroaralkyl”, as used herein, refers to analkyl group substituted with a heteroaryl group.

The term “oxo” refers to an oxygen atom, which forms a carbonyl whenattached to carbon, an N-oxide when attached to nitrogen, and asulfoxide or sulfone when attached to sulfur.

The term “acyl” refers to an alkylcarbonyl, cycloalkylcarbonyl,arylcarbonyl, heterocyclylcarbonyl, or heteroarylcarbonyl substituent,any of which may be further substituted (e.g., by one or moresubstituents).

The term “substituents” refers to a group that replaces a hydrogen atomon an alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heterocyclyl, cycloalkenyl,aryl, or heteroaryl group at any atom of that group. Any atom can besubstituted. Suitable substituents include, without limitation, alkyl(e.g., C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, C10, C11, C12 straight orbranched chain alkyl), cycloalkyl, haloalkyl (e.g., perfluoroalkyl suchas CF₃), aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, heterocyclyl,alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkenyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy (e.g.,perfluoroalkoxy such as OCF₃), halo, hydroxy, carboxy, carboxylate,cyano, nitro, amino, alkyl amino, SO₃H, sulfate, phosphate,methylenedioxy (—O—CH₂—O— wherein oxygens are attached to vicinalatoms), ethylenedioxy, oxo, thioxo (e.g., C═S), imino (alkyl, aryl,aralkyl), S(O)_(n)alkyl (where n is 0-2), S(O)_(n) aryl (where n is0-2), S(O)_(n) heteroaryl (where n is 0-2), S(O)_(n)heterocyclyl (wheren is 0-2), amine (mono-, di-, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl,aryl, heteroaryl, and combinations thereof), ester (alkyl, aralkyl,heteroaralkyl, aryl, heteroaryl), amide (mono-, di-, alkyl, aralkyl,heteroaralkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and combinations thereof), sulfonamide(mono-, di-, alkyl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, and combinations thereof).In one aspect, the substituents on a group are independently any onesingle, or any subset of the aforementioned substituents. In anotheraspect, a substituent may itself be substituted with any one of theabove substituents.

The term “selective” is meant at least 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold,6-fold, or 10-fold greater modulation (e.g., activation) of M2 than Ml.

The term “activator” as used herein means an agent that (measurably)increases the activity of a pyruvate kinase (e.g., PKM2) or causespyruvate kinase (e.g., PKM2) activity to increase to a level that isgreater than PKM2's basal levels of activity. For example, the activatormay mimic the effect caused by a natural ligand (e.g., FBP). Theactivator effect caused by the agent may be to the same, or to agreater, or to a lesser extent than the activating effect caused by anatural ligand, but the same type of effect is caused. Peptides, nucleicacids, and small molecules may be activators. An agent can be evaluatedto determine if it is an activator by measuring either directly orindirectly the activity of the pyruvate kinase when subjected to theagent. The activity of the agent can be measured, for example, against acontrol substance. In some instances, the activity measured of the agentis for activation of PKM2. The activity of PKM2 can be measured, forexample, by monitoring the concentration of a substrate such as ATP orNADH.

The abbreviations Me, Et, Ph, Tf, Nf, Ts, Ms represent methyl, ethyl,phenyl, trifluoromethanesulfonyl, nonafluorobutanesulfonyl,p-toluenesulfonyl and methanesulfonyl, respectively. A morecomprehensive list of the abbreviations utilized by organic chemists ofordinary skill in the art appears in the first issue of each volume ofthe Journal of Organic Chemistry; this list is typically presented in atable entitled Standard List of Abbreviations. The abbreviationscontained in said list, and all abbreviations utilized by organicchemists of ordinary skill in the art are hereby incorporated byreference.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention is not limited in its application to the details ofconstruction and the arrangement of components set forth in thefollowing description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention iscapable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carriedout in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used hereinis for the purpose of description and should not be regarded aslimiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,”“containing”, “involving”, and variations thereof herein, is meant toencompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well asadditional items.

Compounds

Described herein are compounds and compositions that modulate PKM2, forexample, activate PKM2. Compounds that modulate PKM2, e.g., activatePKM2, can be used to treat disorders such as neoplastic disorders (e.g.,cancer) or fat related disorders (e.g., obesity). Compounds includethose of Formula I described herein. In some embodiments, a compounddescribed herein modulates PKM2 by interacting (e.g., binding) with theFBP binding pocket. For example, a compound described herein can competewith FBP binding in PKM2.

A compound described herein may be an activator of PKM2. For simplicity,the activation activity of these compounds is represented as an AC₅₀ inthe Tables below and throughout the application. Exemplary compounds areshown in Tables 1-4. As shown in Tables 1-4, A refers to an activator ofPKM2 with an AC₅₀<100 nM. B refers to an activator of PKM2 with an AC₅₀between 100 nM and 500 nM. C refers to an activator of PKM2 with an AC₅₀greater than 500 nM.

TABLE 1 Compound AC₅₀

A

A

TABLE 2 Compound AC₅₀

B

B

B

B

C

TABLE 3 Compound AC₅₀

C

C

C

C

C

A

C

C

A

A

A

A

TABLE 4 Compound AC₅₀

A

A

A

The compounds described herein can be made using a variety of synthetictechniques.

Scheme 1 above is an exemplary scheme that depicts a representativesynthesis of certain compounds described herein. Aniline 1 is reactedwith triphosgene and base to produce bicycle 2. Treatment of 2 with theappropriate halide and base generates the alkylated bicycle (3).Reaction of 3 with chlorosulfonic acid provided sulfonyl chloride 4.Treatment of 4 with the appropriate aniline provides the target molecule(5).

Scheme 2 above is an exemplary scheme that depicts a representativesynthesis of certain compounds described herein. Cyanophenol (10) isreacted lithium aluminumhydride to provide aniline 11 Aniline 11 istreated with triphosgene and base to produce bicycle 12. Treatment of 12with the appropriate halide and base generates the alkylated bicycle(13). Reaction of 13 with chlorosulfonic acid provided sulfonyl chloride14. Treatment of 14 with the appropriate aniline provides the targetmolecule (15).

Scheme 3 above is an exemplary scheme that depicts a representativesynthesis of certain compounds described herein. Aniline 20 is reactedwith TEBA, chloroacetylchloride and base to produce bicycle 21.Treatment of 21 with the appropriate halide and base generates thealkylated bicycle (22). Reaction of 22 with chlorosulfonic acid providedsulfonyl chloride 23. Treatment of 23 with the appropriate anilineprovides the target molecule (24).

Scheme 4 above is an exemplary scheme that depicts a representativesynthesis of certain compounds described herein. Phenol 41 is reactedwith chloroacetylchloride and base to produce 42. Treatment of 43 withTin chloride in acid yielded the desired aniline (43). Treatment ofaniline 43 with base produced bicycle 44. Reaction of 44 with theappropriate halide and base generates the alkylated bicycle (45).Reaction of 45 with chlorosulfonic acid provided sulfonyl chloride 46.Treatment of 46 with the appropriate aniline provides the targetmolecule (47).

As can be appreciated by the skilled artisan, methods of synthesizingthe compounds of the formulae herein will be evident to those ofordinary skill in the art. Additionally, the various synthetic steps maybe performed in an alternate sequence or order to give the desiredcompounds. Synthetic chemistry transformations and protecting groupmethodologies (protection and deprotection) useful in synthesizing thecompounds described herein are known in the art and include, forexample, those such as described in R. Larock, Comprehensive OrganicTransformations, VCH Publishers (1989); T. W. Greene and P. G. M. Wuts,Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, 2d. Ed., John Wiley and Sons(1991); L. Fieser and M. Fieser, Fieser and Fieser's Reagents forOrganic Synthesis, John Wiley and Sons (1994); and L. Paquette, ed.,Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis, John Wiley and Sons(1995), and subsequent editions thereof.

The compounds of this invention may contain one or more asymmetriccenters and thus occur as racemates and racemic mixtures, singleenantiomers, individual diastereomers and diastereomeric mixtures. Allsuch isomeric forms of these compounds are expressly included in thepresent invention. The compounds of this invention may also containlinkages (e.g., carbon-carbon bonds) or substituents that can restrictbond rotation, e.g. restriction resulting from the presence of a ring ordouble bond. Accordingly, all cis/trans and E/Z isomers are expresslyincluded in the present invention.

The compounds of this invention may also be represented in multipletautomeric forms, in such instances, the invention expressly includesall tautomeric forms of the compounds described herein, even though onlya single tautomeric form may be represented (e.g., alkylation of a ringsystem may result in alkylation at multiple sites, the inventionexpressly includes all such reaction products). All such isomeric formsof such compounds are expressly included in the present invention. Allcrystal forms of the compounds described herein are expressly includedin the present invention.

The compounds of this invention include the compounds themselves, aswell as their salts, if applicable. A salt, for example, can be formedbetween an anion and a positively charged substituent (e g, amino) on acompound described herein. Suitable anions include chloride, bromide,iodide, sulfate, nitrate, phosphate, citrate, methanesulfonate,trifluoroacetate, and acetate. Likewise, a salt can also be formedbetween a cation and a negatively charged substituent (e.g.,carboxylate) on a compound described herein. Suitable cations includesodium ion, potassium ion, magnesium ion, calcium ion, and an ammoniumcation such as tetramethylammonium ion.

The compounds of this invention may be modified by appending appropriatefunctionalities to enhance selected biological properties, e.g.,targeting to a particular tissue. Such modifications are known in theart and include those which increase biological penetration into a givenbiological compartment (e.g., blood, lymphatic system, central nervoussystem), increase oral availability, increase solubility to allowadministration by injection, alter metabolism and alter rate ofexcretion.

Methods of Evaluating Compounds

The compounds described herein can be evaluated for ability to modulatePKM2 (e.g., activate PKM2) by methods known in the art. Exemplarymethods include contacting the compound with a cell-based assay whichallows assessment of the ability to modulate PKM2 (e.g., activate PKM2).E.g., the candidate compound can be contacted with a cell and measuringthe consumption of oxygen or production of lactate. A change in cellularphosphoenolpyruvate, a change in glycerol-phosphate, a change in riboseor deoxyribose, a change in lipid synthesis, or a change in glucoseconversion to lipid or nucleic acids or amino acids or protein can alsobe used to evaluate a compound for its ability to modulate PKM2 (e.g.,activate PKM2). The evaluation could also include measuring a change inpyruvate or a determination of an alteration in mitochondrial membranepotential, e.g., as measured by fluorescent potentiometric dyes.

PKM1 and PKM2 for use in the screening method may be produced by anymethod known in the art for expression of recombinant proteins. Forexample, nucleic acids that encode the desired polypeptide may beintroduced into various cell types or cell-free systems for expression.Eukaryotic (e.g., COS, HEK293T, CHO, and NIH cell lines) and prokaryotic(e.g., E. coli) expression systems may be generated in which a PKMsequence is introduced into a plasmid or other vector, which is thenused to transform living cells. Constructs in which the PKM cDNAcontains the entire open reading frame, or biologically active fragmentthereof, are inserted in the correct orientation into an expressionplasmid and may be used for protein expression. Prokaryotic andeukaryotic expression systems allow for the expression and recovery offusion proteins in which the PKM protein is covalently linked to a tagmolecule on either the amino terminal or carboxy terminal side, whichfacilitates identification and/or purification. Examples of tags thatcan be used include hexahistidine, HA, FLAG, and c-myc epitope tags. Anenzymatic or chemical cleavage site can be engineered between the PKMprotein and the tag molecule so that the tag can be removed followingpurification.

The activity of the PKM enzyme measured in the screening assay may bemeasured by, e.g., monitoring the concentration of a substrate (e.g.,ATP or NADH) present in the reaction mixture. Pyruvate, produced by theenzymatic activity of pyruvate kinase, is converted into lactate bylactate dehydrogenase, which requires the consumption of NADH(NADH→NAD+). Thus, the activity of PKM2 can be indirectly measured bymonitoring the consumption of NADH through, e.g., fluorescence assays.Additionally, the activity of the PKM2 enzyme can be directly monitoredby measuring the production of ATP, as ATP is produced whenphosphoenolpyruvate is converted to pyruvate. Methods for monitoring theamount of substrate in a reaction mixture include, e.g., absorbance,fluorescence, Raman scattering, phosphorescence, luminescence,luciferase assays, and radioactivity.

The screening procedure requires the presence of specific components inthe reaction mixture. Components utilized in the assay include, e.g., anucleoside diphosphate (e.g., ADP), phosphoenolpyruvate, NADH, lactatedehydrogenase, 1-BP, a reducing agent (e.g., dithiothreitol), adetergent (e.g., Brij 35), glycerol, and a solvent (e.g., DMSO).Exemplary reaction conditions are found in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Amount in Component of Reaction Condition Activation Assay ADP0.1-5.0 mM Phosphoenolpyruvate 0.1-5.0 mM NADH 10-1000 μM Lactatedehydrogenase 0.1-10 units Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate 0 DTT 0.1-50 mMBrij 35 0.01-1% Glycerol 0.1-10% Pyruvate Kinase M2 (used for screen)1-100 pg DMSO  1-10%

Candidate activator compounds are chosen if they demonstrate specificityand activation of PKM2 enzyme in the absence of FBP to a level greaterthan that of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80,85, 90, 95, 99, or 100% in the presence of FBP. Furthermore, specificcandidate activators of PKM2 can be evaluated in the presence or absenceof a phosphotyrosine peptide. Phosphotyrosine peptide binding to PKM2leads to a dissociation of FBP from PKM2 and conformational changes ofPKM2 from an active, tetrameric form to an inactive form. Compounds thatbind to PKM2 and lock the enzyme in the active confirmation even in thepresence of a phosphotyrosine peptide will lead to the loss ofallosteric control of PKM2 needed for shunting the biochemicalintermediates from glycolysis into biosynthesis of other intermediates.This, in turn, will lead to inhibition of growth of cancer cells,activated immune cells and fat cells.

Methods of Treatment

The compounds and compositions described herein can be administered tocells in culture, e.g. in vitro or ex vivo, or to a subject, e.g., invivo, to treat, prevent, and/or diagnose a variety of disorders,including those described herein below.

As used herein, the term “treat” or “treatment” is defined as theapplication or administration of a compound, alone or in combinationwith, one or more additional compounds to a subject, e.g., a patient, orapplication or administration of the compound to an isolated tissue orcell, e.g., cell line, from a subject, e.g., a patient, who has adisorder (e.g., a disorder as described herein), or a symptom of adisorder, with the purpose to cure, heal, alleviate, relieve, alter,remedy, ameliorate, improve or affect the disorder or one or moresymptoms of the disorder.

As used herein, the term “prevent” is defined as the application oradministration of a compound, alone or in combination with, one or moreadditional compounds to a subject, e.g., a patient, with apredisposition toward a disorder, with the purpose to prevent or delayonset of the disorder or a symptom of the disorder.

As used herein, an amount of a compound effective to treat a disorder,or a “therapeutically effective amount” refers to an amount of thecompound which is effective, upon single or multiple dose administrationto a subject, in treating a cell, or in curing, alleviating, relievingor improving a subject with a disorder beyond that expected in theabsence of such treatment.

As used herein, the term “subject” is intended to include human andnon-human animals. Exemplary human subjects include a human patienthaving a disorder, e.g., a disorder described herein or a normalsubject. The term “non-human animals” of the invention includes allvertebrates, e.g., non-mammals (such as chickens, amphibians, reptiles)and mammals, such as non-human primates, domesticated and/oragriculturally useful animals, e.g., sheep, dog, cat, cow, pig, etc.

Neoplastic Disorders

A compound or composition described herein can be used to treat aneoplastic disorder, in particular a neoplastic disorder characterizedby an altered (e.g., decreased) level of PKM2 activity in a patient ascompared to the PKM2 level in a patient who is not suffering from aneoplastic disorder (e.g., the same patient at a time prior to sufferingfrom the neoplastic disorder, or a different patient who is notsuffering from a neoplastic disorder). A “neoplastic disorder” is adisease or disorder characterized by cells that have the capacity forautonomous growth or replication, e.g., an abnormal state or conditioncharacterized by proliferative cell growth. Exemplary neoplasticdisorders include: carcinoma, sarcoma, metastatic disorders (e.g.,tumors arising from prostate, colon, lung, breast and liver origin),hematopoietic neoplastic disorders, e.g., leukemias, metastatic tumors.Prevalent cancers include: breast, prostate, colon, lung, liver, andpancreatic cancers. Treatment with the compound may be in an amounteffective to ameliorate at least one symptom of the neoplastic disorder,e.g., reduced cell proliferation, reduced tumor mass, etc.

The disclosed methods are useful in the prevention and treatment ofcancer, including for example, solid tumors, soft tissue tumors, andmetastases thereof. The disclosed methods are also useful in treatingnon-solid cancers. Exemplary solid tumors include malignancies (e.g.,sarcomas, adenocarcinomas, and carcinomas) of the various organ systems,such as those of lung, breast, lymphoid, gastrointestinal (e.g., colon),and genitourinary (e.g., renal, urothelial, or testicular tumors)tracts, pharynx, prostate, and ovary. Exemplary adenocarcinomas includecolorectal cancers, renal-cell carcinoma, liver cancer, non-small cellcarcinoma of the lung, and cancer of the small intestine.

Without being bound by theory, applicants believe that altered PKM2levels characterize a subset of all types of cancers, without regard totheir nature or origin. Thus, the compounds and methods of thisinvention are useful to treat any type of cancer that is characterizedby altered PKM2 levels.

Exemplary cancers include: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Adult; AcuteLymphoblastic Leukemia, Childhood; Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Adult;Adrenocortical Carcinoma; Adrenocortical Carcinoma, Childhood;AIDS-Related Lymphoma; AIDS-Related Malignancies; Anal Cancer;Astrocytoma, Childhood Cerebellar; Astrocytoma, Childhood Cerebral; BileDuct Cancer, Extrahepatic; Bladder Cancer; Bladder Cancer, Childhood;Bone Cancer, Osteosarcoma/Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma; Brain StemGlioma, Childhood; Brain Tumor, Adult; Brain Tumor, Brain Stem Glioma,Childhood; Brain Tumor, Cerebellar Astrocytoma, Childhood; Brain Tumor,Cerebral Astrocytoma/Malignant Glioma, Childhood; Brain Tumor,Ependymoma, Childhood; Brain Tumor, Medulloblastoma, Childhood; BrainTumor, Supratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors, Childhood; BrainTumor, Visual Pathway and Hypothalamic Glioma, Childhood; Brain Tumor,Childhood (Other); Breast Cancer; Breast Cancer and Pregnancy; BreastCancer, Childhood; Breast Cancer, Male; Bronchial Adenomas/Carcinoids,Childhood; Carcinoid Tumor, Childhood; Carcinoid Tumor,Gastrointestinal; Carcinoma, Adrenocortical; Carcinoma, Islet Cell;Carcinoma of Unknown Primary; Central Nervous System Lymphoma, Primary;Cerebellar Astrocytoma, Childhood; Cerebral Astrocytoma/MalignantGlioma, Childhood; Cervical Cancer; Childhood Cancers; ChronicLymphocytic Leukemia; Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia; ChronicMyeloproliferative Disorders; Clear Cell Sarcoma of Tendon Sheaths;Colon Cancer; Colorectal Cancer, Childhood; Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma;Endometrial Cancer; Ependymoma, Childhood; Epithelial Cancer, Ovarian;Esophageal Cancer; Esophageal Cancer, Childhood; Ewing's Family ofTumors; Extracranial Germ Cell Tumor, Childhood; Extragonadal Germ CellTumor; Extrahepatic Bile Duct Cancer; Eye Cancer, Intraocular Melanoma;Eye Cancer, Retinoblastoma; Gallbladder Cancer; Gastric (Stomach)Cancer; Gastric (Stomach) Cancer, Childhood; Gastrointestinal CarcinoidTumor; Germ Cell Tumor, Extracranial, Childhood; Germ Cell Tumor,Extragonadal; Germ Cell Tumor, Ovarian; Gestational Trophoblastic Tumor;Glioma, Childhood Brain Stem; Glioma, Childhood Visual Pathway andHypothalamic; Hairy Cell Leukemia; Head and Neck Cancer; Hepatocellular(Liver) Cancer, Adult (Primary); Hepatocellular (Liver) Cancer,Childhood (Primary); Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Adult; Hodgkin's Lymphoma,Childhood; Hodgkin's Lymphoma During Pregnancy; Hypopharyngeal Cancer;Hypothalamic and Visual Pathway Glioma, Childhood; Intraocular Melanoma;Islet Cell Carcinoma (Endocrine Pancreas); Kaposi's Sarcoma; KidneyCancer; Laryngeal Cancer; Laryngeal Cancer, Childhood; Leukemia, AcuteLymphoblastic, Adult; Leukemia, Acute Lymphoblastic, Childhood;Leukemia, Acute Myeloid, Adult; Leukemia, Acute Myeloid, Childhood;Leukemia, Chronic Lymphocytic; Leukemia, Chronic Myelogenous; Leukemia,Hairy Cell; Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer; Liver Cancer, Adult (Primary);Liver Cancer, Childhood (Primary); Lung Cancer, Non-Small Cell; LungCancer, Small Cell; Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Adult Acute; LymphoblasticLeukemia, Childhood Acute; Lymphocytic Leukemia, Chronic; Lymphoma,AIDS-Related; Lymphoma, Central Nervous System (Primary); Lymphoma,Cutaneous T-Cell; Lymphoma, Hodgkin's, Adult; Lymphoma, Hodgkin's,Childhood; Lymphoma, Hodgkin's During Pregnancy; Lymphoma,Non-Hodgkin's, Adult; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin's, Childhood; Lymphoma,Non-Hodgkin's During Pregnancy; Lymphoma, Primary Central NervousSystem; Macroglobulinemia, Waldenstrom's; Male Breast Cancer; MalignantMesothelioma, Adult; Malignant Mesothelioma, Childhood; MalignantThymoma; Medulloblastoma, Childhood; Melanoma; Melanoma, Intraocular;Merkel Cell Carcinoma; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Metastatic Squamous NeckCancer with Occult Primary; Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome,Childhood; Multiple Myeloma/Plasma Cell Neoplasm; Mycosis Fungoides;Myelodysplastic Syndromes; Myelogenous Leukemia, Chronic; MyeloidLeukemia, Childhood Acute; Myeloma, Multiple; MyeloproliferativeDisorders, Chronic; Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer;Nasopharyngeal Cancer; Nasopharyngeal Cancer, Childhood; Neuroblastoma;Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Adult; Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Childhood;Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma During Pregnancy; Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer;Oral Cancer, Childhood; Oral Cavity and Lip Cancer; OropharyngealCancer; Osteosarcoma/Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma of Bone; OvarianCancer, Childhood; Ovarian Epithelial Cancer; Ovarian Germ Cell Tumor;Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumor; Pancreatic Cancer; PancreaticCancer, Childhood; Pancreatic Cancer, Islet Cell; Paranasal Sinus andNasal Cavity Cancer; Parathyroid Cancer; Penile Cancer;Pheochromocytoma; Pineal and Supratentorial Primitive NeuroectodermalTumors, Childhood; Pituitary Tumor; Plasma Cell Neoplasm/MultipleMyeloma; Pleuropulmonary Blastoma; Pregnancy and Breast Cancer;Pregnancy and Hodgkin's Lymphoma; Pregnancy and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma;Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma; Primary Liver Cancer, Adult;Primary Liver Cancer, Childhood; Prostate Cancer; Rectal Cancer; RenalCell (Kidney) Cancer; Renal Cell Cancer, Childhood; Renal Pelvis andUreter, Transitional Cell Cancer; Retinoblastoma; Rhabdomyosarcoma,Childhood; Salivary Gland Cancer; Salivary Gland Cancer, Childhood;Sarcoma, Ewing's Family of Tumors; Sarcoma, Kaposi's; Sarcoma(Osteosarcoma)/Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma of Bone; Sarcoma,Rhabdomyosarcoma, Childhood; Sarcoma, Soft Tissue, Adult; Sarcoma, SoftTissue, Childhood; Sezary Syndrome; Skin Cancer; Skin Cancer, Childhood;Skin Cancer (Melanoma); Skin Carcinoma, Merkel Cell; Small Cell LungCancer; Small Intestine Cancer; Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Adult; Soft TissueSarcoma, Childhood; Squamous Neck Cancer with Occult Primary,Metastatic; Stomach (Gastric) Cancer; Stomach (Gastric) Cancer,Childhood; Supratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors, Childhood;T-Cell Lymphoma, Cutaneous; Testicular Cancer; Thymoma, Childhood;Thymoma, Malignant; Thyroid Cancer; Thyroid Cancer, Childhood;Transitional Cell Cancer of the Renal Pelvis and Ureter; TrophoblasticTumor, Gestational; Unknown Primary Site, Cancer of, Childhood; UnusualCancers of Childhood; Ureter and Renal Pelvis, Transitional Cell Cancer;Urethral Cancer; Uterine Sarcoma; Vaginal Cancer; Visual Pathway andHypothalamic Glioma, Childhood; Vulvar Cancer; Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia; and Wilms' Tumor. Metastases of the aforementioned cancerscan also be treated or prevented in accordance with the methodsdescribed herein.

Cancer Combination Therapies

In some embodiments, a compound described herein is administeredtogether with an additional cancer treatment. Exemplary cancertreatments include, for example: chemotherapy, targeted therapies suchas antibody therapies, immunotherapy, and hormonal therapy. Examples ofeach of these treatments are provided below.

Chemotherapy

In some embodiments, a compound described herein is administered with achemotherapy. Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with drugs thatcan destroy cancer cells. “Chemotherapy” usually refers to cytotoxicdrugs which affect rapidly dividing cells in general, in contrast withtargeted therapy. Chemotherapy drugs interfere with cell division invarious possible ways, e.g., with the duplication of DNA or theseparation of newly formed chromosomes. Most forms of chemotherapytarget all rapidly dividing cells and are not specific for cancer cells,although some degree of specificity may come from the inability of manycancer cells to repair DNA damage, while normal cells generally can.

Examples of chemotherapeutic agents used in cancer therapy include, forexample, antimetabolites (e.g., folic acid, purine, and pyrimidinederivatives) and alkylating agents (e.g., nitrogen mustards,nitrosoureas, platinum, alkyl sulfonates, hydrazines, triazenes,aziridines, spindle poison, cytotoxic agents, topoisomerase inhibitorsand others). Exemplary agents include Aclarubicin, Actinomycin,Alitretinoin, Altretamine, Aminopterin, Aminolevulinic acid, Amrubicin,Amsacrine, Anagrelide, Arsenic trioxide, Asparaginase, Atrasentan,Belotecan, Bexarotene, Bendamustine, Bleomycin, Bortezomib, Busulfan,Camptothecin, Capecitabine, Carboplatin, Carboquone, Carmofur,Carmustine, Celecoxib, Chlorambucil, Chlormethine, Cisplatin,Cladribine, Clofarabine, Crisantaspase, Cyclophosphamide, Cytarabine,Dacarbazine, Dactinomycin, Daunorubicin, Decitabine, Demecolcine,Docetaxel, Doxorubicin, Efaproxiral, Elesclomol, Elsamitrucin,Enocitabine, Epirubicin, Estramustine, Etoglucid, Etoposide,Floxuridine, Fludarabine, Fluorouracil (5FU), Fotemustine, Gemcitabine,Gliadel implants, Hydroxycarbamide, Hydroxyurea, Idarubicin, Ifosfamide,Irinotecan, Irofulven, Ixabepilone, Larotaxel, Leucovorin, Liposomaldoxorubicin, Liposomal daunorubicin, Lonidamine, Lomustine, Lucanthone,Mannosulfan, Masoprocol, Melphalan, Mercaptopurine, Mesna, Methotrexate,Methyl aminolevulinate, Mitobronitol, Mitoguazone, Mitotane, Mitomycin,Mitoxantrone, Nedaplatin, Nimustine, Oblimersen, Omacetaxine, Ortataxel,Oxaliplatin, Paclitaxel, Pegaspargase, Pemetrexed, Pentostatin,Pirarubicin, Pixantrone, Plicamycin, Porfimer sodium, Prednimustine,Procarbazine, Raltitrexed, Ranimustine, Rubitecan, Sapacitabine,Semustine, Sitimagene ceradenovec, Satraplatin, Streptozocin,Talaporfin, Tegafur-uracil, Temoporfin, Temozolomide, Teniposide,Tesetaxel, Testolactone, Tetranitrate, Thiotepa, Tiazofurin, Tioguanine,Tipifarnib, Topotecan, Trabectedin, Triaziquone, Triethylenemelamine,Triplatin, Tretinoin, Treosulfan, Trofosfamide, Uramustine, Valrubicin,Verteporfin, Vinblastine, Vincristine, Vindesine, Vinflunine,Vinorelbine, Vorinostat, Zorubicin, and other cytostatic or cytotoxicagents described herein.

Because some drugs work better together than alone, two or more drugsare often given at the same time. Often, two or more chemotherapy agentsare used as combination chemotherapy. In some embodiments, thechemotherapy agents (including combination chemotherapy) can be used incombination with a compound described herein.

Targeted Therapy

In some embodiments, a compound described herein is administered with atargeted therapy. Targeted therapy constitutes the use of agentsspecific for the deregulated proteins of cancer cells. Small moleculetargeted therapy drugs are generally inhibitors of enzymatic domains onmutated, overexpressed, or otherwise critical proteins within the cancercell. Prominent examples are the tyrosine kinase inhibitors such asAxitinib, Bosutinib, Cediranib, dasatinib, erlotinib, imatinib,gefitinib, lapatinib, Lestaurtinib, Nilotinib, Semaxanib, Sorafenib,Sunitinib, and Vandetanib, and also cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitorssuch as Alvocidib and Seliciclib. Monoclonal antibody therapy is anotherstrategy in which the therapeutic agent is an antibody whichspecifically binds to a protein on the surface of the cancer cells.Examples include the anti-HER2/neu antibody trastuzumab (HERCEPTIN®)typically used in breast cancer, and the anti-CD20 antibody rituximaband Tositumomab typically used in a variety of B-cell malignancies.Other exemplary antibodies include Cetuximab, Panitumumab, Trastuzumab,Alemtuzumab, Bevacizumab, Edrecolomab, and Gemtuzumab. Exemplary fusionproteins include Aflibercept and Denileukin diftitox. In someembodiments, the targeted therapy can be used in combination with acompound described herein.

Targeted therapy can also involve small peptides as “homing devices”which can bind to cell surface receptors or affected extracellularmatrix surrounding the tumor. Radionuclides which are attached to thesepeptides (e.g., RGDs) eventually kill the cancer cell if the nuclidedecays in the vicinity of the cell. An example of such therapy includesBEXXAR®.

Immunotherapy

In some embodiments, a compound described herein is administered with animmunotherapy. Cancer immunotherapy refers to a diverse set oftherapeutic strategies designed to induce the patient's own immunesystem to fight the tumor. Contemporary methods for generating an immuneresponse against tumors include intravesicular BCG immunotherapy forsuperficial bladder cancer, and use of interferons and other cytokinesto induce an immune response in renal cell carcinoma and melanomapatients.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can be considered aform of immunotherapy, since the donor's immune cells will often attackthe tumor in a graft-versus-tumor effect. In some embodiments, theimmunotherapy agents can be used in combination with a compounddescribed herein.

Hormonal Therapy

In some embodiments, a compound described herein is administered with ahormonal therapy. The growth of some cancers can be inhibited byproviding or blocking certain hormones. Common examples ofhormone-sensitive tumors include certain types of breast and prostatecancers. Removing or blocking estrogen or testosterone is often animportant additional treatment. In certain cancers, administration ofhormone agonists, such as progestogens may be therapeuticallybeneficial. In some embodiments, the hormonal therapy agents can be usedin combination with a compound described herein.

Obesity and Fat Disorders

A compound or composition described herein can be used to treat orprevent obesity, e.g., in a human subject, e.g. a child or adultsubject. “Obesity” refers to a condition in which a subject has a bodymass index of greater than or equal to 30. Many compounds describedherein can be used to treat or prevent an over-weight condition.“Over-weight” refers to a condition in which a subject has a body massindex of greater or equal to 25.0. The body mass index (BMI) and otherdefinitions are according to the “NIH Clinical Guidelines on theIdentification and Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesityin Adults” (1998). Treatment with the compound may be in an amounteffective to alter the weight of the subject, e.g., by at least 2, 5, 7,10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30, 25, 40, 45, 50, or 55%. Treatment with acompound may be in an amount effective to reduce the body mass index ofthe subject, e.g., to less than 30, 28, 27, 25, 22, 20, or 18. Thecompounds can be used to treat or prevent aberrant or inappropriateweight gain, metabolic rate, or fat deposition, e.g., anorexia, bulimia,obesity, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia (e.g., elevated triglyceridesand/or elevated cholesterol), as well as disorders of fat or lipidmetabolism.

A compound or composition described herein can be administered to treatobesity associated with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). PWS is a geneticdisorder associated with obesity (e.g., morbid obesity).

A compound or composition described herein can be used to reduce bodyfat, prevent increased body fat, reduce cholesterol (e.g., totalcholesterol and/or ratios of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol),and/or reduce appetite in individuals having PWS associated obesity,and/or reduce comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease,and stroke.

Compositions and Routes of Administration

The compositions delineated herein include the compounds delineatedherein (e.g., a compound described herein), as well as additionaltherapeutic agents if present, in amounts effective for achieving amodulation of disease or disease symptoms, including those describedherein.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or adjuvant” refers to acarrier or adjuvant that may be administered to a patient, together witha compound of this invention, and which does not destroy thepharmacological activity thereof and is nontoxic when administered indoses sufficient to deliver a therapeutic amount of the compound.

Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, adjuvants and vehicles that may beused in the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention include, butare not limited to, ion exchangers, alumina, aluminum stearate,lecithin, self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) such asd-α-tocopherol polyethyleneglycol 1000 succinate, surfactants used inpharmaceutical dosage forms such as Tweens or other similar polymericdelivery matrices, serum proteins, such as human serum albumin, buffersubstances such as phosphates, glycine, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate,partial glyceride mixtures of saturated vegetable fatty acids, water,salts or electrolytes, such as protamine sulfate, disodium hydrogenphosphate, potassium hydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, zinc salts,colloidal silica, magnesium trisilicate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone,cellulose-based substances, polyethylene glycol, sodiumcarboxymethylcellulose, polyacrylates, waxes,polyethylene-polyoxypropylene-block polymers, polyethylene glycol andwool fat. Cyclodextrins such as α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrin, orchemically modified derivatives such as hydroxyalkylcyclodextrins,including 2- and 3-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrins, or other solubilizedderivatives may also be advantageously used to enhance delivery ofcompounds of the formulae described herein.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may be administeredorally, parenterally, by inhalation spray, topically, rectally, nasally,buccally, vaginally or via an implanted reservoir, preferably by oraladministration or administration by injection. The pharmaceuticalcompositions of this invention may contain any conventional non-toxicpharmaceutically-acceptable carriers, adjuvants or vehicles. In somecases, the pH of the formulation may be adjusted with pharmaceuticallyacceptable acids, bases or buffers to enhance the stability of theformulated compound or its delivery form. The term parenteral as usedherein includes subcutaneous, intracutaneous, intravenous,intramuscular, intraarticular, intraarterial, intrasynovial,intrasternal, intrathecal, intralesional and intracranial injection orinfusion techniques.

The pharmaceutical compositions may be in the form of a sterileinjectable preparation, for example, as a sterile injectable aqueous oroleaginous suspension. This suspension may be formulated according totechniques known in the art using suitable dispersing or wetting agents(such as, for example, Tween 80) and suspending agents. The sterileinjectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution orsuspension in a non-toxic parenterally acceptable diluent or solvent,for example, as a solution in 1,3-butanediol. Among the acceptablevehicles and solvents that may be employed are mannitol, water, Ringer'ssolution and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, sterile,fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspendingmedium. For this purpose, any bland fixed oil may be employed includingsynthetic mono- or diglycerides. Fatty acids, such as oleic acid and itsglyceride derivatives are useful in the preparation of injectables, asare natural pharmaceutically-acceptable oils, such as olive oil orcastor oil, especially in their polyoxyethylated versions. These oilsolutions or suspensions may also contain a long-chain alcohol diluentor dispersant, or carboxymethyl cellulose or similar dispersing agentswhich are commonly used in the formulation of pharmaceuticallyacceptable dosage forms such as emulsions and or suspensions. Othercommonly used surfactants such as Tweens or Spans and/or other similaremulsifying agents or bioavailability enhancers which are commonly usedin the manufacture of pharmaceutically acceptable solid, liquid, orother dosage forms may also be used for the purposes of formulation.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may be orallyadministered in any orally acceptable dosage form including, but notlimited to, capsules, tablets, emulsions and aqueous suspensions,dispersions and solutions. In the case of tablets for oral use, carrierswhich are commonly used include lactose and corn starch. Lubricatingagents, such as magnesium stearate, are also typically added. For oraladministration in a capsule form, useful diluents include lactose anddried corn starch. When aqueous suspensions and/or emulsions areadministered orally, the active ingredient may be suspended or dissolvedin an oily phase is combined with emulsifying and/or suspending agents.If desired, certain sweetening and/or flavoring and/or coloring agentsmay be added.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may also beadministered in the form of suppositories for rectal administration.These compositions can be prepared by mixing a compound of thisinvention with a suitable non-irritating excipient which is solid atroom temperature but liquid at the rectal temperature and therefore willmelt in the rectum to release the active components. Such materialsinclude, but are not limited to, cocoa butter, beeswax and polyethyleneglycols.

Topical administration of the pharmaceutical compositions of thisinvention is useful when the desired treatment involves areas or organsreadily accessible by topical application. For application topically tothe skin, the pharmaceutical composition should be formulated with asuitable ointment containing the active components suspended ordissolved in a carrier. Carriers for topical administration of thecompounds of this invention include, but are not limited to, mineraloil, liquid petroleum, white petroleum, propylene glycol,polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene compound, emulsifying wax and water.Alternatively, the pharmaceutical composition can be formulated with asuitable lotion or cream containing the active compound suspended ordissolved in a carrier with suitable emulsifying agents. Suitablecarriers include, but are not limited to, mineral oil, sorbitanmonostearate, polysorbate 60, cetyl esters wax, cetearyl alcohol,2-octyldodecanol, benzyl alcohol and water. The pharmaceuticalcompositions of this invention may also be topically applied to thelower intestinal tract by rectal suppository formulation or in asuitable enema formulation. Topically-transdermal patches are alsoincluded in this invention.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may be administered bynasal aerosol or inhalation. Such compositions are prepared according totechniques well-known in the art of pharmaceutical formulation and maybe prepared as solutions in saline, employing benzyl alcohol or othersuitable preservatives, absorption promoters to enhance bioavailability,fluorocarbons, and/or other solubilizing or dispersing agents known inthe art.

When the compositions of this invention comprise a combination of acompound of the formulae described herein and one or more additionaltherapeutic or prophylactic agents, both the compound and the additionalagent should be present at dosage levels of between about 1 to 100%, andmore preferably between about 5 to 95% of the dosage normallyadministered in a monotherapy regimen. The additional agents may beadministered separately, as part of a multiple dose regimen, from thecompounds of this invention. Alternatively, those agents may be part ofa single dosage form, mixed together with the compounds of thisinvention in a single composition.

The compounds described herein can, for example, be administered byinjection, intravenously, intraarterially, subdermally,intraperitoneally, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously; or orally,buccally, nasally, transmucosally, topically, in an ophthalmicpreparation, or by inhalation, with a dosage ranging from about 0.5 toabout 100 mg/kg of body weight, alternatively dosages between 1 mg and1000 mg/dose, every 4 to 120 hours, or according to the requirements ofthe particular drug. The methods herein contemplate administration of aneffective amount of compound or compound composition to achieve thedesired or stated effect. Typically, the pharmaceutical compositions ofthis invention will be administered from about 1 to about 6 times perday or alternatively, as a continuous infusion. Such administration canbe used as a chronic or acute therapy. The amount of active ingredientthat may be combined with the carrier materials to produce a singledosage form will vary depending upon the host treated and the particularmode of administration. A typical preparation will contain from about 5%to about 95% active compound (w/w). Alternatively, such preparationscontain from about 20% to about 80% active compound.

Lower or higher doses than those recited above may be required. Specificdosage and treatment regimens for any particular patient will dependupon a variety of factors, including the activity of the specificcompound employed, the age, body weight, general health status, sex,diet, time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, theseverity and course of the disease, condition or symptoms, the patient'sdisposition to the disease, condition or symptoms, and the judgment ofthe treating physician.

Upon improvement of a patient's condition, a maintenance dose of acompound, composition or combination of this invention may beadministered, if necessary. Subsequently, the dosage or frequency ofadministration, or both, may be reduced, as a function of the symptoms,to a level at which the improved condition is retained when the symptomshave been alleviated to the desired level. Patients may, however,require intermittent treatment on a long-term basis upon any recurrenceof disease symptoms.

Patient Selection and Monitoring

The compounds described herein can modulate PKM2 (e.g., activate PKM2).Accordingly, a patient and/or subject can be selected for treatmentusing a compound described herein by first evaluating the patient and/orsubject to determine whether the subject is in need of modulation ofPKM2 (e.g., activation of PKM2), and if the subject is determined to bein need of modulation of PKM2, then optionally administering to thesubject a compound described herein.

A subject can be evaluated as being in need of modulation of PKM2 usingmethods known in the art, e.g., by measuring the presence and/oractivity of PKM2 in the patient. In some embodiments, the activityand/or level of PKM2 is evaluated in the cancer.

A patient receiving a compound described herein can be monitored, forexample, for improvement in the condition and/or adverse effectsImprovement of a patient's condition can be evaluated, for example, bymonitoring an increase in PKM2 in a patient, by monitoring the growth,absence of growth, or regression of the cancer (e.g., a tumor). In someembodiments, the patient is evaluated using a radiological assay orevaluation of hemolytic parameters.

EXAMPLES Example 1 PKM2 Assay Procedure:

-   -   PKM2 stock enzyme solution was diluted in Reaction Buffer    -   2 μL of compound was added into each well first, and then 180        μL, of the Reaction Mix was added.    -   Reaction mixture with compound (without ADP) was incubated for        30 minutes at 4° C.    -   Plates were re-equilibrated to room temperature prior to adding        20 μL ADP to initiate the reaction.    -   Reaction progress was measured as changes in absorbance at 340        nm wavelength at room temperature (25° C.)        Reaction Mix: PKM2 (50 ng/well), ADP (0.7 mM), PEP (0.15 mM),        NADH (180 μM), LDH (2 units) in Reaction Buffer

Reaction Buffer: 100 mM KCl, 50 mM Tris pH 7.5, 5 mM MgCl2, 1 mM DTT,0.03% BSA. Example 2 Compounds and their Preparation

TABLE 5 Amine Ar = Product 8

8a 9

9a

General Procedure for Compound 2:

To a solution of starting material 1 (1.5 gm, 12.10 mmoles) in dry THF,triphosgene (4.3 gm, 14.6 mmoles) in THF was added slowly at 0° C. Theresulting mixture was allowed to stir at the same temperature for 10min. Triethyl amine (6.1 mL, 42.6 mmoles) was then added dropwise at 0°C. and the reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature foranother 30 min. After completion of reaction, the reaction mixture wasadded to crushed ice and extracted with ethyl acetate and water. Theorganic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reducedpressure to afford solid product 2 in 66.66% yield (1.81 gm).

General Procedure for Compound 6:

To a solution of compound 2 (3.0 gm, 20.1 mmol) in DMF, potassiumcarbonate (8.3 gm, 60.4 moles) was added followed by methyl iodide (2mL, 30.1 mmol) at room temperature. The resulting mixture was stirredfor 2 hrs at the same temperature. After completion of the reaction, themixture was washed with ethyl acetate and water and the organic layerwas dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure to obtaina residue which turned into a solid compound 6 (2.5 gm, 78.12% yield) onwashing with pentane solvent. The obtained product was used for furtherstep directly without purification.

General Procedure for Compound 7:

Compound 6 (3.0 gm, 20.13 mmol) was added to a stirred solution ofchlorosulfonic acid (6 mL/gm starting material) at 0° C. and theresulting solution was allowed to stir for 2 hrs at room temperature.After completion of reaction, the mixture was poured into ice cold waterand added EtOAc and extracted. The aqueous layer was washed with EtOAc(2×50 ml) and the combined organic layer was washed with brine, driedover Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain a cruderesidue. The residue was washed with n-hexane to get a solid compound 7(3.2 gm, 65.30% yield) which was pure enough for the next reaction.

Synthesis of Compound 8a:

To a solution of amine 8 (0.13 gm, 0.92 mmol) in DCM, sulfonyl chloride7 (0.2 gm, 0.76 mmoles) was added followed by addition of pyridine (10mL/gm starting material) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was allowed tostir at room temperature for 2 hrs. After completion, the reactionmixture was diluted with water and extracted with DCM. The organic layerwas washed with 6N HCl, over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reducedpressure to afford product 8a in 70% yield (0.28 gm).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 3.21 (s, 3H), 5.31 (s, 1H), 7.04 (br s, 1H),7.20-7.35 (3H), 7.75-7.68 (m, 2H), 10.45 (s, 1H); MS: 369 (M−1 peak).

Synthesis of Compound 9a:

The synthesis of compound 9a was done from compound 7 (0.2 gm, 0.76mmol) by following the similar procedure carried out to synthesizecompound 8a mentioned above by using amine 9 in 74% yield (0.27 gm).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 2.18 (s, 3H), 3.22 (s, 3H), 5.30 (s, 2H),6.89 (br s, 1H), 6.99 (d, 2H), 7.21 (d, 1H), 7.72-7.65 (m, 2H), 10.18(s, 1H); MS: 349 (M−1 peak).

General Procedure for Compound 11:

To a solution of 2-cyano phenol 10 (0.2 gm, 0.075 mmoles) in a drysolvent mixture of THF and ether, LiAlH₄ (0.13 gm, 0.018 mmoles) wasadded at 0° C. portion wise. The resulting mixture was allowed to stirat room temperature for 30 min followed by stirring at 40° C. for 24hrs. After completion of reaction, the mixture was quenched withsaturated NH₄Cl solution and extracted with ethyl acetate and water. Theorganic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reducedpressure to obtain product 11 as a solid in 75% yield. (0.2 gm).

General Procedure for Compound 12:

To a solution of starting material 11 (0.1 gm, 0.081 mmoles) in dry THF,triphosgene (0.29 gm, 0.098 mmoles) was added at 0° C. slowly. Theresulting mixture was allowed to stir at the same temperature for 10 minfollowed by addition of triethyl amine drop wise. The reaction mixturewas allowed warm to at room temperature and stirred for 30 min Aftercompletion of reaction, the reaction mixture was added to ice andextracted with ethyl acetate and water. The organic layer was dried overNa₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain product 12 as asolid (0.1 gm, 81.96% yield).

General Procedure for Compound 16:

To a solution of compound 12 (3.0 gm, 20.1 mmol) in DMF, potassiumcarbonate (8.3 gm, 60.4 moles) was added followed by methyl iodide (2mL, 30.1 mmol) at room temperature. The resulting mixture was stirredfor 2 hrs at the same temperature. After completion of the reaction, themixture was washed with ethyl acetate and water and the organic layerwas dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure to obtaina residue which turned into a solid compound 16 (2.5 gm, 78.12% yield)on washing with pentane solvent. The obtained product was used forfurther step directly without purification.

General Procedure for Compound 17:

Compound 16 (3.0 gm, 20.13 mmol) was added to a stirred solution ofchlorosulfonic acid (6 mL/gm starting material) at 0° C. and theresulting solution was allowed to stir for 2 hrs at room temperature.After completion of reaction, the mixture was poured into ice cold waterand added EtOAc and extracted. The aqueous layer was washed with EtOAc(2×50 ml) and the combined organic layer was washed with brine, driedover Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain a cruderesidue. The residue was washed with n-hexane to get a solid compound 17(3.2 gm, 65.30% yield) which was pure enough for the next reaction.

Synthesis of Compound 18a:

To a solution of amine 18 (0.13 gm, 0.92 mmol) in DCM, sulfonyl chloride17 (0.2 gm, 0.76 mmoles) was added followed by addition of pyridine (10mL/gm starting material) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was allowed tostir at room temperature for 2 hrs. After completion, the reactionmixture was diluted with water and extracted with DCM. The organic layerwas washed with 6N HCl, over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reducedpressure to afford product 18a in 74% yield (0.2 gm).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 2.16 (s, 3H), 2.98 (s, 3H), 4.53 (s, 2H),6.88 (br s, 1H), 7.02-6.98 (m, 3H), 7.19 (d, 1H), 7.61 (s, 2H), 10.19(s, 1H); MS: 349 (M−1 peak).

Synthesis of Compound 19a:

The synthesis of compound 19a was done from compound 17 (0.2 gm, 0.76mmol) by following the similar procedure mentioned for compound 19a inscheme 1 in 71% yield (0.2 gm).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 2.98 (s, 3H), 4.55 (s, 2H), 7.06 (br s, 1H),7.29-7.20 (m, 2H), 7.35 (t, 1H), 7.65 (t, 2H), 10.52 (s, 1H); MS: 369(M−1 peak).

TABLE 6 Amine Ar = R = Product 29

CH₃ 29a 30

CH₃ 30a 31

CH₃ 31a 32

CH₃ 32a 33

CH₃ 33a 34

CH₃ 34a 35

CH₃ 35a 36

CH₃ 36a 37

H 37a 38

H 38a 39

H 39a 40

H 40a

General Procedure for Compound 21:

To a solution of 2-amino phenol 20 (3.0 gm, 27.5 mmoles) in chloroform,TEBA (3.1 gm, 13.7 mmol) and NaHCO₃ was added at 0° C. Then a solutionof chloro acetyl chloride (4.6 gm, 41.2 m moles) in chloroform was addedover 20 minutes at the same temperature and the resulting mixture wasallowed to stir at 60° C. for 16 hrs. After completion of the reaction,solvent was evaporated and washed with DCM and water. The organic layerwas dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under vacuum. The resultingsolution was washed with pentane and ether as a co-solvent to getcompound 21 (3.2 gm, 78.04% yield) as solid which was pure enough to usedirectly for further reaction.

General Procedure for Compound 26:

To a solution of compound 21 (3.0 gm, 20.1 mmol) in DMF, potassiumcarbonate (8.3 gm, 60.4 moles) was added followed by methyl iodide (2mL, 30.1 mmol) at room temperature. The resulting mixture was stirredfor 2 hrs at the same temperature. After completion of the reaction, themixture was washed with ethyl acetate and water and the organic layerwas dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure to obtaina residue which turned into a solid compound 26 (2.5 gm, 78.12% yield)on washing with pentane solvent. The obtained product was used forfurther step directly without purification.

General Procedure for Compound 27:

Compound 26 (3.0 gm, 20.13 mmol) was added to a stirred solution ofchlorosulfonic acid (6 mL/gm starting material) at 0° C. and theresulting solution was allowed to stir for 2 hrs at room temperature.After completion of reaction, the mixture was poured into ice cold waterand added EtOAc and extracted. The aqueous layer was washed with EtOAc(2×50 ml) and the combined organic layer was washed with brine, driedover Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain a cruderesidue. The residue was washed with n-hexane to get a solid compound 27(3.2 gm, 65.30% yield) which was pure enough for the next reaction.

General Procedure for Compound 28:

Starting material 26 (2.0 gm, 12.2 mmol) was added to a stirred solutionof chlorosulfonic acid (6 mL/gm starting material) at 0° C. and theresulting solution was allowed to stir for 2 hrs at room temperature.After completion of reaction, mixture was poured into ice cold water andadded ethyl acetate and extracted. The aqueous layer was washed withEtOAc (2×50 ml) and the combined organic layers was washed with brineand dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure to obtainresidue. The residue was washed with n-hexane to get solid compound 28(2.5 gm, 78.1% yield). Thus obtained product was used for further stepdirectly.

Synthesis of Compound 29a:

To a solution of amine 29 (0.07 gm, 0.463 mmol) in DCM, sulfonylchloride 28 (0.14 gm, 0.35 mmoles) was added followed by pyridine (10mL/gm starting material) at 0° C. and the reaction mixture was allowedto stir at room temperature for 2 hrs. After completion, the reactionmixture was diluted with water and extracted with DCM. The organic layerwas washed with 6N HCl and dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated underreduced pressure to obtain product 29a (0.10 gm, 58.8% yield).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 3.21 (s, 3H), 4.19 (s, 4H), 4.78 (s, 2H),6.58 (d, 1H), 6.6 (s, 1H), 6.71 (d, 1H), 7.15 (d, 1H), 7.34 (d, 1H),7.29 (s, 1H), 9.83 (s, 1H).MS: 375 (M−1 peak).

Synthesis of Compound 30a:

The synthesis of compound 30a was done by following the similarprocedure as mentioned for compound 29a by using amine 30 to affordproduct 30a in 60% yield (0.12 gm) from compound 28 (0.18 gm, 0.69mmoles).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 2.18 (s, 6H), 3.21 (s, 3H), 4.78 (s, 2H),6.65 (s, 1H), 6.78 (s, 2H), 7.15 (d, 1H), 7.39 (d, 1H), 7.41 (s, 1H),10.08 (s, 1H); MS: 345 (M−1 peak).

Synthesis of Compound 31a:

The synthesis of compound 31a was done by following the similarprocedure as mentioned for compound 29a by using amine 31 to affordproduct 31a in 61.1% yield (0.13 gm) from compound 28 (0.2 gm, 0.76mmol).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 3.21 (s, 3H), 4.78 (s, 2H), 7.15-7.04 (m,5H), 7.35 (d, 1H), 7.39 (s, 1H), 10.10 (s, 1H); MS: 335 (M−1 peak).

Synthesis of Compound 32a:

The synthesis of compound 32a was done by following the similarprocedure as mentioned for compound 29a by using amine 32 to affordproduct 32a in 63.15% yield (0.12 gm) from compound 28 (0.18 gm, 0.68mmol).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 3.20 (s, 3H), 3.66 (s, 3H), 4.78 (s, 2H),6.81 (d, 2H), 7.01 (d, 2H), 7.09 (d, 1H), 7.29 (dd, 1H), 7.35 (d, 1H),9.81 (s, 1H); MS: 349 (M+1 peak).

Synthesis of Compound 33a:

The synthesis of compound 33a was done by following the similarprocedure as mentioned for compound 29a by using amine 33 to affordproduct 33a in 53% yield (0.15 gm) from compound 28 (0.25 gm, 0.96mmol).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 2.16 (s, 3H), 3.21 (s, 3H), 4.75 (s, 3H),6.91 (br s, 7.14-6.90 (m, 4H), 7.40-7.32 (m, 2H), 10.15 (s, 1H).

Synthesis of Compound 34a:

The synthesis of compound 34a was done by following the similarprocedure as mentioned for compound 29a by using amine 34 to affordproduct 34a in 48% yield (0.12 gm) from compound 28 (0.21 gm, 0.82mmol).

1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 3.21 (s, 3H), 4.78 (s, 2H), 7.18-7.03 (m,2H), 7.27-7.22 (m, 4H), 10.42 (s, 1H).

Synthesis of Compound 35a:

The synthesis of compound 35a was done by following the similarprocedure as mentioned for compound 29a by using amine 35 to affordproduct 35a in 48.14% yield (0.13 gm) from compound 28 (0.24 gm, 0.94mmol).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 3.22 (s, 3H), 4.78 (s, 2H), 7.21-7.02 (m,4H), 7.29 (t, 1H), 7.41 (d, 2H), 10.55 (s, 1H).

Synthesis of Compound 36a:

The synthesis of compound 36a was done by following the similarprocedure as mentioned for compound 29a by using amine 36 to affordproduct 36a in 63% yield (0.10 gm) from compound 28 (0.15 gm, 0.56mmol).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 3.21 (s, 3H), 4.76 (s, 2H), 5.98 (s, 2H),6.51 (d, 1H), 6.71 (s, 1H), 6.79 (d, 1H), 7.11 (d, 1H), 7.34 (d, 1H),7.39 (s, 1H), 9.93 (s, 1H); MS: 361 (M−1 peak).

Synthesis of Compound 37a:

To a solution of amine 37 (0.07 gm, 0.57 mmoles) in DCM, sulfonylchloride 27 (0.17 gm, 0.69 mmoles) was added followed by pyridine (10 mUgm starting material) at 0° C. and the reaction mixture was allowed tostir at room temperature for 2 hrs. After completion, the reactionmixture was diluted with water and extracted with DCM. The organic layerwas washed with 6N HCl and dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated underreduced pressure to afford product 37a (0.12 gm, 63.15% yield).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 2.18 (s, 6H), 4.63 (s, 2H), 6.64 (s, 1H),6.74 (s, 2H), 7.04 (d, 1H), 7.31 (d, 2H), 10.05 (s, 1H), 10.97 (s, 1H);MS: 333 (M+1 peak).

Synthesis of Compound 38a:

The synthesis of compound 38a was done by following the similarprocedure as mentioned for compound 37a by using amine 38 to affordproduct 38a in 65% yield (0.13 gm) from compound 27 (0.19 gm, 0.756mmol).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 4.65 (s, 2H), 7.13-7.03 (m, 5H), 7.25 (s,2H), 10.09 (s, 1H), 10.97 (s, 1H); MS: 320 (M−2 peak).

Synthesis of Compound 39a:

The synthesis of compound 39a was done by following the similarprocedure as mentioned for compound 37a by using amine 39 to affordproduct 39a in 62% yield (0.10 gm) from compound 27 (0.14 gm, 0.56mmol).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 4.18 (s, 4H), 4.66 (s, 2H), 6.53 (d, 1H),6.60 (s, 1H), 6.74 (s, 1H), 7.06 (d, 1H), 7.2 (d, 2H), 9.92 (s, 1H),10.93 (s, 1H); MS: 361 (M−1 peak).

Synthesis of Compound 40a:

The synthesis of compound 40a was done by following the similarprocedure as mentioned for compound 37a by using amine 40 to affordproduct 40a in 63.15% yield (0.12 gm) from compound 27 (0.17 gm, 0.68mmol).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 3.65 (s, 3H), 4.64 (s, 2H), 6.8 (d, 2H),6.97 (d, 2H), 7.03 (d, 1H), 7.25-7.20 (m, 2H), 9.93 (s, 1H), 10.93 (s,1H); MS: 332 (M−2 peak).

General Procedure for Compound 42:

To a stirred suspension of activated NaH (0.24 gm, 10.00 mmol) in THF,2-nitrophenol (41) (1.0 gm, 7.1 mmol) was added at 0° C. under N₂atmosphere and stirred for 15 min followed by addition ofchloroacetylchloride (1.2 gm, 10.0 mmoles) at the same temperature andallowed to stir at room temperature for 1 hr. After completion ofreaction, the mixture was poured into ice and extracted with ethylacetate. The organic layer dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated underreduced pressure to obtain product 42 in 71% yield (1.1 gm).

General Procedure for Compound 43:

To a stirred solution of nitro compound 42 (6.3 gm, 29.3 mmol) inethanol was added conc. HCl (5 mL) followed by addition of SnCl₂ (33.0gm, 146.5 mmol) and refluxed for 2 hrs under nitrogen atmosphere. Aftercompletion of reaction, ethanol was removed under reduced pressure andthe obtained mass was dissolved in water and neutralized with saturatedsodium bicarbonate solution and extracted with ethyl acetate. Theorganic layer dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to obtain product 43(1.3 gm; 24.07% yield).

General Procedure for Compound 44:

To the stirred solution of aniline 43 (1.0 gm, 5.4 mmoles) inacrylonitrile K₂CO₃ (3.7 gm, 27.0 mmol) was added at room temperatureunder N₂ atmosphere and the resulting mixture was allowed to refluxovernight. After completion of reaction, the mixture was diluted withwater and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer dried overNa₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain product (0.80gm, 100% yield).

General Procedure for Compound 48:

To a solution of NaH (0.072 gms, 3.0 mmol) in THF, amino lactone 44(0.31 gm, 2.0 mmol) was added at 0° C. slowly and stirred for 30 minfollowed by addition of MeI (0.21 ml, 3.0 moles) at the same temperatureand the resulting mixture was stirred for 1 hr. After completion ofreaction, the mixture was poured in ice water and extracted withethylacetate, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated under reduced pressureto obtain the product (0.9 gm, 90.0% yield).

General Procedure for Compound 49:

Chlorosulfonic acid (10 ml/gm starting material) was added slowly toamino lactone 48 (1.1 gm, 6.0 moles) in de-aerated RB flask at 0° C. andresulting mixture was heated to 160° C. for overnight. After completionof reaction, the mixture was added to ice and extracted withethylacetate and the organic layer dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentratedunder reduced pressure to obtain product. (1.0 gm, 58.8% yield).

Synthesis of Compound 50:

To a solution of sulfonyl chloride 49 (0.2 gm, 0.76 moles) and pyridine(0.15 gm, 1.91 mmol) in DCM, amine 50a (0.14 gm, 1.07 mmoles) was addedat 0° C. and the resulting mixture was allowed to stir at roomtemperature for 3 hrs. After completion of reaction, DCM was removedunder reduced pressure and the residue was extracted with ethyl acetateand water. The organic layer was washed with brine and dried overNa₂SO₄. The organic layer was concentrated to afford product 50 in 74%yield (0.1 gm).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 2.21 (s, 3H), 3.24 (s, 3H), 4.70 (s, 2H),6.37 (s, 1H), 6.96-6.80 (m, 3H), 7.00 (d, 1H), 7.39 (d, 1H); MS: 349(M−1 peak).

Synthesis of Compound 51:

The synthesis of compound 51 was done by following the same proceduresimilar to compound 50 using the compound 51a instead of 50a to get thecompound 51 (0.13 gm, 92.19% yield) from compound 49 (0.1 gm, 0.38mmoles).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 3.30 (s, 3H), 4.70 (s, 2H), 6.55 (s, 1H),6.99-6.92 (m, 1H), 7.08-7.01 (m, 3H), 7.20 (br s, 1H), 7.35 (s, 1H),7.40 (d, 1H); MS: 369 (M−1 peak).

Synthesis of Compound 52:

The synthesis of compound 52 was done from compound 49 (0.2 gm, 0.76mmol) by following the same procedure similar to compound 50 using theamine 52a instead of 50a to get the compound 52 (0.2 gm, 74.34% yield).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 3.21 (s, 3H), 4.75 (s, 2H), 7.18-7.02 (m,3H), 7.28 (t, 1H), 7.41 (d, 2H); MS: 351 (M+1 peak).

Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of thisinvention, it is to be appreciated various alterations, modifications,and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Suchalterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part ofthis disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope ofthe invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings areby way of example only.

1. A compound of formula (I),

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: X and Y are eachindependently selected from O and N(-L-R¹); Q is C(O), SO₂, or—(CH₂)_(h)—; each L is independently selected from a bond, —C(O)—,—(CR^(a)R^(b))_(m)—, —C(O)N(R^(c))— or —C(O)O—; D and D¹ are eachindependently selected from a bond, O and N(R^(c)), provided that D andD¹ are not both a bond; A is aryl or heteroaryl, each of which issubstituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(d); and D-Q-D¹-A is notOCH₂-phenyl; each R¹ is independently selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, halo C₁₋₄alkyl, alkyl-O-alkylene, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, aryl,aralkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heterocyclyl and heterocyclylalkyl;wherein each alkyl-O-alkylene, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl,heteroaralkyl, heterocyclyl and heterocyclylalkyl is substituted with0-3 occurrences of R^(f) and each alkyl and haloalkyl is substitutedwith 0-3 occurrences of R^(g); each R^(a) and each R^(b) areindependently selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, or R^(a) and R^(b)bound to the same carbon atom are taken together with the carbon atom toform a cycloalkyl; each R^(c) is independently selected from hydrogenand C₁₋₄ alkyl; each R^(d) is independently selected from halo, haloC₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkyl, nitro, cyano, —OH and —O(C₁₋₄ alkyl), or twoR^(d), attached to the same or adjacent carbon atoms, taken togetherwith the atom(s) to which they are attached form an optionallysubstituted heterocyclyl; each R^(f) is independently selected fromhalo, halo C₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkyl, nitro, cyano, —OH and —O(C₁₋₄ alkyl),or two R^(f), attached to the same or adjacent carbon atoms, takentogether with the atoms to which they are attached form an optionallysubstituted heterocyclyl; each R^(g) is independently selected fromnitro, cyano, —OH, —O(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or two R^(g), attached to the same oradjacent carbon atoms, taken together with the atoms to which they areattached form an optionally substituted heterocyclyl; each R² isindependently selected from halo, halo C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄alkoxy and hydroxyl; h is 1, 2 or 3; each m is independently 1, 2 or 3;and each n is independently 0, 1, 2 or 3; provided that the compound isnot2-chloro-N-(1,4-dihydro-2-oxo-2H-3,1-benzoxazin-7-yl)-5-[[(1-methylethyl)amino]sulfonyl]-benzamide;4-[2-oxo-7-(phenylmethoxy)-2H-1,3-benzoxazin-3(4H)-yl], Benzoic methylester;2-chloro-5-[[(1-methylethyl)amino]sulfonyl]-N-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-oxo-7-quinazolinyl)-benzamide;or2-chloro-5-[[(1-methylethyl)amino]sulfonyl]-N-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-3-methyl-2-oxo-7-quinazolinyl)-benzamide.2. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound is a compound offormula (Ia):


3. The compound of claim 1, selected from any one of the compoundsbelow:


4. A compound of formula (II):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: X and Y are eachindependently selected from O and N-L-R¹; Q is C(O), SO₂, or—(CH₂)_(h)—; each L is independently selected from a bond, —C(O)—,—(CR^(a)R^(b))_(m)—, —C(O)NR^(c)— or —C(O)O—; D and D¹ are eachindependently selected from a bond, O and NR^(c), provided that D and D¹are not both a bond; A is aryl or heteroaryl, each of which issubstituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(d); each R¹ is independentlyselected from hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, haloC₁₋₄ alkyl, alkyl-O-alkylene,cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heterocyclyl andheterocyclylalkyl; wherein each alkyl-O-alkylene, cycloalkyl, aryl,aralkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heterocyclyl and heterocyclylalkylis substituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(f) and each alkyl andhaloalkyl is substituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(g); each R^(a) andeach R^(b) are independently selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, orR^(a) and R^(b) bound to the same carbon atom are taken together withthe carbon atom to form a cycloalkyl; each R^(c) is independentlyselected from hydrogen and C₁₋₄ alkyl; each R^(d) is independentlyselected from halo, halo C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkyl, nitro, cyano, —OH and—O(C₁₋₄ alkyl), or two R^(d), attached to the same or adjacent carbonatoms, taken together with the atoms to which they are attached form anoptionally substituted heterocyclyl; each R^(f) is independentlyselected from halo, halo C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkyl, nitro, cyano, —OH and—O(C₁₋₄ alkyl), or two R^(f), attached to the same or adjacent carbonatoms, taken together with the atoms to which they are attached form anoptionally substituted heterocyclyl; each R^(g) is independentlyselected from nitro, cyano, —OH, —O(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or two R^(g), attachedto the same or adjacent carbon atoms, taken together with the atoms towhich they are attached form an optionally substituted heterocyclyl;each R² is independently selected from halo, halo C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy and hydroxyl; h is 1, 2 or 3; each m is independently1, 2 or 3; and each n is independently 0, 1, 2 or 3; provided that 1)D-Q-D¹-A is not i) O-benzyl, ii) NHSO₂-2-thiophenyl, iii) NHC(O)—optionally substituted phenyl, or iv) NHSO₂-optionally substitutedphenyl; and 2) the compound is not: i)N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1,3-dimethyl-2-oxo-6-Quinazolinesulfonamide;ii)N-[2-[[[(1S)-2-cyclohexyl-1-methylethyl]amino]methyl]phenyl]-1,4-dihydro-2-oxo-2H-3,1-Benzoxazine-6-sulfonamide;or iii)N-[2-[[[(1S)-2-cyclopentyl-1-methylethyl]amino]methyl]phenyl]-1,4-dihydro-2-oxo-2H-3,1-Benzoxazine-6-sulfonamide.5. The compound of claim 4, wherein the compound is a compound offormula (IIa):


6. The compound of claim 4, selected from any one of the compoundsbelow:


7. A compound of formula (III):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: X and Y are eachindependently selected from O and N—R¹; Q is C(O), SO₂, or —(CH₂)_(h)—;L¹ and L² are each independently selected from a bond, —O—, C(O)—,—C(O)O—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)NR^(c)—, —NR^(c)C(O)—, —S—, —SO— and —SO₂—; D andD¹ are each independently selected from a bond, 0 and NR^(c), providedthat D and D¹ are not both a bond; A is aryl or heteroaryl, each ofwhich is substituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(f); each R¹ isindependently selected from hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl, wherein each C₁₋₄alkyl is substituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(f); R^(a) and R^(b) areeach independently selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, haloC₁₋₄ alkyl,alkyl-O-alkylene, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl,heterocyclyl and heterocyclylalkyl; wherein each alkyl-O-alkylene,cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heterocyclyl andheterocyclylalkyl is substituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(f) and eachalkyl and haloalkyl is substituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(g); or oneof R^(a) or R^(b) is taken together with R¹ and the atoms to which theyare respectively attached to form an optionally substitutedfive-membered heterocylyl; each R^(c) is independently selected fromhydrogen and C₁₋₄ alkyl; each R^(d) is independently selected from halo,halo C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkyl, nitro, —NR^(c)R^(c),—NHCH(NR^(c)R^(c))NR^(c)R^(c), —NHC(═NR^(c)R^(c))NR^(c)R^(c),—C(O)NR^(c)R^(c), cyano, —SR^(c) and —OR^(c), or two R^(d), attached tothe same or adjacent carbon atoms, taken together with the atoms towhich they are attached form an optionally substituted heterocyclyl;each R^(f) is independently selected from halo, halo C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄alkyl, nitro, cyano, —OH and —O(C₁₋₄ alkyl), or two R^(f), attached tothe same or adjacent carbon atoms, taken together with the atoms towhich they are attached form an optionally substituted heterocyclyl;each R^(g) is independently selected from nitro, cyano, —OH, —O(C₁₋₄alkyl) or two R^(g), attached to the same or adjacent carbon atoms,taken together with the atoms to which they are attached form anoptionally substituted heterocyclyl; each R² is independently selectedfrom halo, halo C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy and hydroxyl; h is1, 2 or 3; and n is 0, 1, 2 or 3; provided that 1) D-Q-D¹-A is not—SO₃-phenyl or —SO₃-p-methylphenyl; 2) when Y is NR^(c), then Q is notC(O); 3) when Y is NH, D-Q-D¹- is not SO₂NR^(c) or NR^(c)SO₂; and 4) thecompound is not: i)N-(3-fluoro-2-methylphenyl)-3,4-dihydro-4-methyl-3-oxo-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-6-sulfonamide;ii) methyl4,5-dimethoxy-2-(4-methyl-3-oxo-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazine-6-sulfonamido)-phenethylcarbamate;iii)1-(difluoromethyl)-N-(3,4-dihydro-4-methyl-3-oxo-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl)-5-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-sulfonamide;iv)N-(3,4-dihydro-4-methyl-3-oxo-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl)-4-fluoro-3-methyl-benzenesulfonamide;v)7-chloro-N-(3,4-dihydro-4-methyl-3-oxo-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-sulfonamide;vi)N-(3,4-dihydro-4-methyl-3-oxo-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl)-1,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-sulfonamide;vii)N-(3,4-dihydro-4-methyl-3-oxo-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl)-2-fluoro-5-methyl-benzenesulfonamide;or viii)5-chloro-N-(3,4-dihydro-4-methyl-3-oxo-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl)-2,4-dimethoxy-benzenesulfonamide.8. The compound of claim 7, wherein the compound is a compound offormula (IIIa):


9. The compound of claim 7, selected from any one of the compoundsbelow:


10. A compound of formula (IV):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: X and Y are eachindependently selected from O and N—R¹; Q is C(O), SO₂, or —(CH₂)_(h)—;L¹ and L² are each independently selected from a bond, —O—, C(O)—,—C(O)O—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)NR^(c)—, —NR^(c)C(O)—, —S—, —SO— and —SO₂—; D andD¹ are each independently selected from a bond, O and NR^(c), providedthat D and D¹ are not both a bond; A is aryl or heteroaryl, each ofwhich is substituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(d); each R¹ isindependently selected from hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl; wherein each C₁₋₄alkyl is substituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(f); R^(a) and R^(b) areeach independently selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, haloC₁₋₄ alkyl,alkyl-O-alkylene, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl,heterocyclyl and heterocycloalkyl; wherein each alkyl-O-alkylene,cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heterocyclyl andheterocyclylalkyl is substituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(f) and eachalkyl and haloalkyl is substituted with 0-3 occurrences of R^(g); or oneof R^(a) or R^(b) is taken together with a Y—R¹ or X—R¹ and the atoms towhich they are respectively attached to form an optionally substitutedfive-membered heterocyclyl; each R^(c) is independently selected fromhydrogen and C₁₋₄ alkyl; each R^(d) is independently selected from halo,halo C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkyl, nitro, —NR^(c)R^(c),—NHCH(NR^(c)R^(c))NR^(c)R^(c), —NHC(═NR^(c)R^(c))NR^(c)R^(c),—C(O)NR^(c)R^(c), cyano, —SR^(c) and —OR^(c), or two R^(d), attached tothe same or adjacent carbon atoms, taken together with the atoms towhich they are attached form an optionally substituted heterocyclyl;each R^(f) is independently selected from halo, halo C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄alkyl, nitro, cyano, —OH and —O(C₁₋₄ alkyl), or two R^(f), attached tothe same or adjacent carbon atoms, taken together with the atoms towhich they are attached form an optionally substituted heterocyclyl;each R^(g) is independently selected from nitro, cyano, —OH, —O(C₁₋₄alkyl) or two R^(g), attached to the same or adjacent carbon atoms,taken together with the atoms to which they are attached form anoptionally substituted heterocyclyl; each R² is independently selectedfrom halo, halo C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy and hydroxyl; h is1, 2 or 3; and n is 0, 1, 2 or 3; provided that: 1) D-Q-D¹-A is notO-benzyl; 2) when Y is O, X is not N—R¹; and 3) the compound of formula(IV) is not:(E)-N-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxo-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-6-yl)-4-(3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-en-1-yl)benzamide;(E)-N-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxo-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-6-yl)-N-methyl-4-(3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-en-1-yl)benzamide;3-[2-(4-bromophenyl)-2-oxoethyl]-3,4-dihydro-6-methyl-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-2-one;or4-[[(3,4-dihydro-2-oxo-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl)amino]sulfonyl]-5-methyl-2-furancarboxylicacid ethyl ester.
 11. The compound of claim 10, wherein the compound isa compound of formula (IVa):


12. The compound of claim 10, selected from any one of the compoundsbelow:


13. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of claim 1 or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier.
 14. A method of modulating PKM2 activity in asubject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to saidsubject a compound of claim 1 or a pharmaceutical composition of claim13.
 15. A method of treating a cancer associated with PKM2 activity in asubject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to thesubject a compound of claim 1 or a pharmaceutical composition of claim13.
 16. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of claim 4 ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier.
 17. A method of modulating PKM2 activity in asubject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to saidsubject a compound of claim 4 or a pharmaceutical composition of claim16.
 18. A method of treating a cancer associated with PKM2 activity in asubject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to thesubject a compound of claim 4 or a pharmaceutical composition of claim16.
 19. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of claim 7 ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier.
 20. A method of modulating PKM2 activity in asubject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to saidsubject a compound of claim 7 or a pharmaceutical composition of claim19.
 21. A method of treating a cancer associated with PKM2 activity in asubject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to thesubject a compound of claim 7 or a pharmaceutical composition of claim19.
 22. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of claim 10or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier.
 23. A method of modulating PKM2 activity in asubject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to saidsubject a compound of claim 10 or a pharmaceutical composition of claim22.
 24. A method of treating a cancer associated with PKM2 activity in asubject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to thesubject a compound of claim 10 or a pharmaceutical composition of claim22.